Monday
GEORGETOWN HOYAS 20-4 PROVIDENCE FRIARS 13-12
February 18, 4:00 PM | Dunkin Donuts Center
I've been preachin for a week now that the Hoyas are not overrated, but they keep making me swallow my words. They have dropped 2 of 3 and haven't played well for an entire game since Jan 30 and that was @ St. Johns. The month of February has not been a good one. With that said this team is still a top 10 team and in 1st place in the conference.
Louisville sent out the blue print on how to beat this team. Coach's Jay Wright and Jim Boehiem obv watched the tape and tried to mimick Pitino's full court press defense combined with a zone in half court. Georgetown is a very patient offensive team, and they need most of the shot clock to work the ball around, until they find the weakness on the defense or their opponet makes a bad rotation. They are the best team in the country in reacting to a bad rotation of the weak side and punishing them with the back door cut. The press has hurt them because they don't get into their offense until under 25 seconds on the shot clock. Then when the half court zone presents itself they have to work the ball around for 10 or so seconds just to try to find an opening in the paint, and this is leading to some bad shots because of the clock running down.
Providence is a solid home team but they are just way too streaky to have any confidence in them. They take so many deep shots that you really can't tell what is a bad shot or not. Coach Tim Welsh is on the hot seat and this looks to be his last season.
The Friars have dropped their last 3 games and lost 7 of their last 8. They are searching for some wins just to make the Big East Tourney and possibly the NIT.
Here is what i expect to happen monday afternoon. With there struggles against the zone, you are going to see Jesse Sapp provide more dribble drive to the basket which is what this team has been missing. Sapp can really play, but he has not been attacking the rim enough. I predict a Huge game from Jesse today something like 14 points and 6 assists. Roy Hibbert is going to do what he does and occupy all kinds of defenders. The Friars have no answer for Hibbert. Johnathan Wallace and DaJuan Summers will get some open shots from the kick outs from Sapp and Hibbert.
Providence has some shooters that can hit from all the over the court. Jeff Xavier and Brian McKenzie are lights out but they will take alot of bad shots. Georgetown is going to extend their defense tonight forcing them to take even further shots. The Hoyas are the best team i've ever seen when it comes to collapsing to the ball, but also being able to get back on their man at the perimiter.
You better Believe Johnny Thompson Jr was on his team and demanding a big performance on the road today.
Score Prediction: Gtown 71 - Prov 60
Plays Georgetown -3 1st Half L
Georgetown -5.5 game