Hoyas don't fold, hit jackpot

MILWAUKEE -- Coaches often turn to historical figures for help, conjuring the words of legendary sports figures or military leaders to motivate their players.

Georgetown coach John Thompson III? He's a Kenny Rogers man.

Or at least he was after watching his 11th-ranked Hoyas claw their way back for a 70-68 overtime victory over No. 21 Marquette on Saturday.

Given several opportunities to fold 'em, or so Rogers' old country song goes, the Hoyas walked away atop the Big East standings.

"Seriously, this is a brutal league," Thompson said. "I've said many times, we're still sitting at the table -- Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler,' we'll count our money when it's done."

Georgetown (24-4, 14-3) came into the game tied with No. 13 Louisville for first place in the Big East standings. The Cardinals host Villanova today.

With the victory over Marquette (21-7, 11-6), the Hoyas have won 11 of their last 13, with the losses coming at Louisville and Syracuse. Roy Hibbert and Jonathan Wallace scored 20 points each for Georgetown, and Wallace made two big plays that figured heavily in the outcome.

First Wallace was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 2.8 seconds left in regulation, and made all 3 free throws despite earsplitting crowd noise to send the game into overtime.

"I just knew I had to make the free throws," Wallace said. "I knew what was at stake."

Then, with his team down 3 early in overtime, Wallace banked in a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down.

"We don't have a defense for the end-of-the-shot-clock, backboard 3 from 25 feet," Marquette coach Tom Crean said with a shrug.

Crean said he wasn't upset with the effort because it was another sign his team is improving after a midseason lull.

Despite shaky free-throw shooting and throwing away too many offensive possessions after building a lead early in the second half, Crean said the Golden Eagles still had a chance to beat a very good team.

"We found a way to be right there," Crean said. "It's not a moral victory by any stretch, but we can get better. We are getting better. I wish we had the win to show for it today."

Wesley Matthews tied his career high with 22 points for Marquette.