Big East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals: No. 1 Georgetown unleashed its shooters against No. 8 Villanova in an 82-63 win. The Hoyas hit 17 three-pointers, tying a Big East tourney record. Senior guard Jonathan Wallace had 19 points in the first half as he hit his first seven shots, including five three-pointers. Villanova rallied in the first part of the second half to take a lead before the Hoyas resumed their sharpshooting from long range to pull away for good.
No. 5 West Virginia will get the Hoyas in the semifinals after the Mountaineers beat No. 4 Connecticut 78-72 in the quarterfinals. Junior forward Joe Alexander was unstoppable, scoring 34 points and grabbing seven rebounds. West Virginia controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Huskies by 14.
No. 7 Pittsburgh surprised No. 2 Louisville with a 76-69 overtime win in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. Junior forward Sam Young led the Panthers with 21 points and 12 rebounds, and junior guard Levance Fields scored six points in overtime to help push the Panthers past the Cardinals. Louisville struggled in overtime, scoring only two points until the final 30 seconds.
The Panthers will play No. 6 Marquette after the Golden Eagles beat No. 3 Notre Dame in the quarterfinals 89-79. The Golden Eagles were on their game in the second half, putting up 57 points. They finished with 51.7 percent shooting from the field, led by junior guard Jerel McNeal with 28 points. Marquette neutralized sophomore forward Luke Harangody, holding the Big East Player of the Year to 13 points before he fouled out. [3/13/08]
