March 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Devin Askew (5) moves the ball against the Georgetown Hoyas during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Image NEW YORK — Julius Halaiforua recorded his first career double-double, recording 21 points and a career-high 10 rebounds as 11th-seeded Georgetown pulled away late in the second half to give 11th-seeded Georgetown a decisive 78-64 victory over third-seeded Villanova in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Hoyas (16-17) advanced to the semifinals for the first time since winning the surprise 2021 title as the No. 8 seed. Georgetown will face No. 2 seed and No. 6 UConn, which defeated Xavier 93-68 earlier Thursday.
Halaiponua made all nine of his attempts inside 3-point range and went 9-for-12 overall. His best rebounding performance helped the Hoyas dominate the glass by a 46-25 margin.
Jeremiah Williams added 14 points and Kayvaun Mulready also had 14, including eight straight points for the Hoyas when they surged to a double-digit lead late in the second half. Malik Mack had 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting, but hit a tying 3-pointer with 76 seconds left in the first half.
Caleb Williams contributed 11 as the Hoyas shot 50.8 percent overall and made 8 of 20 3-point attempts.
Villanova (24-8) failed to advance to the semifinals for the first time since winning the title in 2022, coach Jay Wright’s final season.
Duke Brennan led the Wildcats with 14 points and six rebounds. Tyler Perkins added 13 points and Bryce Lindsey had 11, but star freshman Acaden Lewis and sixth man Devin Askew combined for 12 points on 5-of-21 shooting.
The Wildcats shot 37.7% from the floor and made just 7 of 29 3-point attempts (24.1%).
The Hoyas overcame a nine-point first-half deficit and scored the final seven points of the first half to take a 35-31 lead. Mulready’s four-point play with 52 seconds left made the score 14-2.
Georgetown gradually took the lead after Perkins made a free throw with 13 minutes and 33 seconds left to reduce the gap to 47-46.
The Hoyas took a 51-46 lead when Halaiforua cut Jayden Fort for a baseline dunk with 12 1/2 minutes left. Halaiforua completed a three-point play for a 61-51 advantage with 8:20 remaining, and the Hoyas took a 67-53 advantage with 5:36 remaining when Mulready buried a corner trey on back-to-back trips.
–Larry Fleisher, Field Level Media
