Big East Basketball Recap: 12/30

#8 Hoyas storm through #2 UConn

The No. 8 Georgetown Hoyas started off Monday night on an 18-3 run against the number two ranked Connecticut Huskies and never looked back.The Hoyas (10-1) came into the game averaging double digit scoring out of four starters with DeJuan Summers leading that pack. In the Hoyas’ 74-63 victory over UConn, those numbers proved to be spot as four starters reached double digits, with DeJuan Summers leading the way with 18 points.
With more than 30 scouts courtside drooling over the up-and-coming NBA talent it was freshman Greg Monroe who captured their attention. Taking on potentially the best big man in the county in Hasheem Thabeet, Monroe etched 16 points on 6-10 shooting, including 2-2 from 3-point land, grabbed three boards, dished our four helpers, and was pesky enough to swipe three steals.Monroe did it on the defensive end as well.
Staying out of foul trouble by using Coach John Thompson III strategy of subbing offense for defense, the Hoyas held Thabeet to just four points. UConn Guard Jerome Dyson has a dreadful night as well being held to 1-10 shooting by the number one defensive field goal percentage leaders.Hoya Guard Chris Wright also had 16 points, while Austin Freeman chipped in 13 of his own.The Huskies were led by AJ Price with 16 points and Jeff Adrien with 15. Kemba Walker also came off the bench to add 14.

UConn (11-1) suffered their first loss of the year and will look to rebound when they take on Rutgers.

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Second half stomping cruises #13 Villanova over Temple

With the Big East season set to tip off, the Wildcats are hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's early conference slump. Much like this season, Villanova rolled to a 10-1 record and were No. 17 in The Associated Press' Top 25 thanks to a soft nonconference schedule before it lost six of its first nine Big East games.

Corey Fisher scored eight straight points in the decisive run and finished with 23 to rally Villanova to its 23rd straight win at the Pavilion, 62-45 over the Owls on Monday night.

The Wildcats (12-1) held Temple to just 31.3% from the field and 28.6% from 4-point land while star Dionte Christmas managed 4-19 shooting for the game. No other Owl player reached double digits.

Memphis wins key non-conference over Cincy

Outside of in-conference UAB, there is no other Conference USA team that holds and RPI under 75, so for John Calipari’s Memphis Tigers any non-conference game, no matter who the opponent, is a big game.

The Tigers (8-3) were able to defeat the Cincinnati Bearcats Monday night 60-45. Despite the poor shooting woes Memphis displayed from 3-point range for the second consecutive game, they were able to overcome a 2-18 3-point showing by stiffening up their own defense holding the Bearcats (10-3) to just 27% from the field, 19% from 3-point range, and holding Big East shooting star Deonta Vaughn to 4-12 shooting. Vaughn was the only Bearcat who would reach double figures. For Memphis it was the Antonio Anderson with 18 points on 8-13 shooting, Robert Dozier with 17 points and seven rebounds, and freshman stud Tyreke Evans nearly recording a triple double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Evans also had three steals and two blocks in an all-around effort. Memphis also forced 20 Bearcat turnovers.

By Al Buzzelli
BigEast-fans.com Staff Writer

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