New York, NY--

When the Hoyas opened on a 26-2 run to start today's game, any Villanova fan in attendance at Madison Square Garden and even Wildcats Head Coach Jay Wright knew it was going to long afternoon to match-up with the Number 1 seed in the Georgetown Hoyas.

The Hoyas were led by Jeff Green, the Big East player of the year, who scored 12 points and added eight rebounds. Georgetown shot 44 percent (23-of-52) and advanced to Friday's semifinal game against the winner of the Notre Dame-Syracuse game later Thursday. Georgetown has won 13 of its last 14.

Trailing 37-18 at halftime, the Wildcats looked to be regrouped when they emerged from the locker room for the second half. Villanova cut a 22-point deficit late in the first half to 10 with a 14-2 run, capped by Scottie Reynolds' 3-pointer 5:19 remaining in the second half.

Jessie Sapp made one of two free throws to give Georgetown a 56-45 lead with 1:43 left, but Villanova stormed back. Sumpter made two of three free throws with 27.9 seconds remaining to make it 59-54, the Wildcats' lowest deficit since Hibbert's lay up that gave the Hoyas a 5-0 lead less than 4 minutes into the game.

"These guys played as hard today as they have played all season long," said Hoyas Head Coach John Thompson III.

Villanova was led by Curtis Sumpter with 18 points, but it was the 27 percent from the field during the first half that cost the game for the Wildcats.

Sumpter had one more chance to keep his cats alive with 27.9 seconds remaining, Sumpter was fouled attempting a three pointer. Sumpter front rimmed the first of three, but made the final two shots cutting the lead to 59-54. The Cats could not come up with a shot and was forced to foul the Hoyas during the final 15 seconds.

"We just did not do a good job executing our offense during the first half. We regrouped during the second half, but we had dug a major hole in the first half we could not recover from," said Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright.

The victory today by the Hoyas continues the streak of defeating Villanova in the Big East Tournament. The Hoyas are 4-0 against the Wildcats.