Villanova vs. Georgetown: 5 biggest storylines for first 2020-21 matchup

5. Both teams are fairly even when putting points on the board and defending – but the number of turnovers will be the key statistic

Now over two weeks into the season, Villanova and Georgetown have both found themselves ranking around the middle on both the offensive end defensive ends of the floor.  Villanova ranks 122nd in points per game (77.4) and 132nd defensively (67.8), while Georgetown is 168th offensively (73.0) but 118th on the defensive end (67.0).

Where this game could largely come down to is turnovers – and, subsequently, for Georgetown, limiting Villanova’s possessions.  Villanova is among the nation’s best at not turning the ball over, committing just 8.8 a game – the tenth-best mark in hoops.  Georgetown, meanwhile, ranks towards the bottom – 283rd, specifically, with 18.5 per game.

Part of this is because Georgetown plays one of the fastest tempos in all of college basketball – the 44th-fastest, in fact.  Villanova, meanwhile, is on the opposite end of the spectrum at 345th.  Villanova’s methodical play is built to take advantage of a team like Georgetown, whose offense allows a steal on 13.4% of its possessions.

To Georgetown’s credit, they limited their turnovers greatly in both of their losses, committing 13 against Navy and 15 against a staunch West Virginia defense, but they committed an abysmal 26 in their win against Coppin State.  Granted, they won by 32 – but they will have to clean that up against Villanova.

There is not much Georgetown will be able to do to make Villanova’s offense uncomfortable enough to commit more turnovers.  Their season-high is 11 turnovers against Arizona State – an incredible stat considering they played one of the best defenses in basketball in Texas and only committed nine.

What Georgetown must do is limit their turnovers – and limit Villanova’s number of possessions.  If they can do that, they will have a shot in this game.  But if Villanova can make the Hoyas uncomfortable early on, this game could be ugly.

There are a number of storylines that make this game intriguing, no matter the team’s records or recent successes and failures.  But the historical importance of this game – paired with the impact it could have for Georgetown and Villanova’s programs, particularly at the start of Big East play – makes it significant and worth the watch.