WASHINGTON (AP) -- Among the reasons why Georgetown is contending for the Big East title, one is very simple: Otto Porter and Markel Starks have stepped up their games.

The all-around talented forward and the point guard are scoring more, rebounding more and playing better end-to-end for the 15th-ranked Hoyas, who have won eight of nine and are tied for first in the conference headed into Friday's game at Cincinnati.

The Hoyas started 0-2 in the Big East, but they are now 8-3 in the conference and 18-4 overall.

Coach John Thompson III says Porter resembles another Georgetown great - Jeff Green - who was so team-orientated that he sometimes had to be prodded to take over a game.

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