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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. ââ'¬" The No. 3 Villanova Wildcats capped another spectacular regular season Saturday with an 84-71 victory over the Georgetown Hoyas (14-17 overall, 7-11 BIG EAST) before a sellout crowd of 20,173 at the Wells Fargo Center.

With the win Villanova finishes the regular season at 27-4 overall. For the third consecutive season, VU ended the BIG EAST campaign at 16-2. That gives VU a three year mark of 48-6 in conference action since the current configuration of the conference begin in 2013.

On this day, Villanova was credited with 23 assists on 27 made field goals.

Junior Josh Hart led the way with 18 points but he had plenty of help. Classmate Kris Jenkins continued his fine play with 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Senior Ryan Arcidiacono ââ'¬" who left the court to a standing ovation in the final minutes ââ'¬" added 16 points, five assists and five rebounds. Daniel Ochefu ââ'¬" who also departed to a rousing ovation ââ'¬" added 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

For Georgetown, L.J. Peak scored 31 points, tying Ben Bentil of Providence for the most points scored by a player against VU this season.

"That was a great culmination of the regular season for us," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "We couldn't be prouder of this (championship). It's a grind to win a regular seasons championship. We are really grateful to the Villanova fans that came out today to sell this place out and honor these guys.

"The game didn't mean a lot except that it was Villanova-Georgetown. We all have great respect for their program."

Villanova quickly found a smooth offensive groove after a Marcus Derrickson basket on the game's first possession gave Georgetown a 2-0 lead. The Wildcats converted seven of their first eight field goals on their way to an early 16-4 lead that grew into a 22-6 advantage after a nifty baseline drive and reverse layup by Arcidiacono with 12:06 to play in the first half.

Villanova was able to push the lead to 27-6 before Georgetown began to assert itself, largely through the work of Peak, who would end the first half with 10 points, including a spectacular dunk down the middle of the lane.

But the Wildcats kept the Hoyas at bay and when Jenkins dropped in a 3-pointer just before the halftime horn sounded, Villanova had itself a 46-27 lead.

"We're at the time of the season where it's important for our guys to focus on each game, regardless of what is the perceived importance of the game," Wright stated. "Daniel Ochefu and Ryan Arcidiacono, our senior class, just made sure we were ready to play. They were dialed in on the scouting report. It's a special group to be able to do that as 18-to-22 year old guys."

The lead mushroomed to 23 points early in the second half before a 10-0 burst by the Hoyas narrowed the gap. Yet Villanova was able to keep Georgetown in check ââ'¬" the lead never dipped into single digits.

The final was 84-71.

When Arcidiacono was replaced, Wright greeted him with a hug and a question: "how cool is this? He's meant everything to our program. But you're a Philly kid walking off the floor at the Wells Fargo Center to a standing ovation. It's doesn't get much better than that."

"It's hard to believe my four years here at the Wells Fargo Center are done," stated Arcidiacono. "It's pretty special."

The Wildcats are the top seed in the 2016 BIG EAST Tournament presented by Jeep Brand and will face the winner of the game featuring the No. 8 seed vs. No. 9 seed to be played Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. By virtue of today's results, that contest will feature No. 8 Georgetown vs. No. 9 DePaul.

Villanova will take the floor in the first quarterfinal game at noon on Thursday against either the Hoyas or the Blue Demons.

Follow Villanova Basketball on Twitter and Instagram: @NovaMBB