Much like the Carrier Dome, Dunkin Donuts Center (better known to Georgetown fans as the Providence Civic Center) has not been a favorable place for visitingGeorgetown teams. But if an announcer suggests that Georgetown hasn't won a conference game there since 1996-97, put it in perspective. Georgetownhasn't played at Providence in the John Thompson III era, and just once in Big East play since 2001.
In a rare Monday afternoon game, Georgetown meets the Friars in a game that seeks to answer this question: is this Georgetown team mentally tough enough tomake the stretch run of the 2007-08 Big East season?
In a low key sort of way, Coach Thompson called out his team following the de facto rout that was Saturday's game at Syracuse. Numerous turnovers, laxdefense, and a general lack of focus have seen the Hoyas drop two of three, with a controversial win over Villanova thrown in. In contrast to the juggernautwith plowed through the February portion of the 2006-07 schedule, this season's Hoyas have shown an uncomfortable parallel with the 2005-06 team whichdropped four of its last six beginning in mid-February to end the season.
With Louisville, Connecticut and Notre Dame approaching the Big East's passing lane, Georgetown has to reclaim the throttle, lest it fall to the Wednesdayround of games which has produced just one Big East titleist in the last decade. But if Georgetown has something to play for, Providence does in more ways thanone.
Providence has underachieved much of the season. The Friars are adept at the three, possess talent down low, and can hold a lad, but have not shown aconsistent ability to maintain it. Providence is 11-2 when leading with 10 minutes to play, but only 2-9 when trailing. The run of bad luck has led to criesfor Tim Welsh's job, despite the fact that he has the third longest tenure of the 16 current Big East coaches. A win over Georgetown could turn the jeersto cheers for Welsh, but PC has dropped seven of its last eight and its remaining schedule (at West Virginia, at Cincinnati, UConn, and Villanova) is no lesschallenging.
Still, PC is capable of a big upset. Ask Louisville, which escaped the "Dunk" late with a 80-72 win Saturday. For Monday, Georgetown will need totake particular attention to Providence's guard play, which, like Syracuse, is not afraid to utilize the three. Guard Dwain Williams is the team's bestthree point shooter in Big East play, averaging nearly 47 percent from the field, third among Big East players. PC's slump has dovetailed withWilliams' troubles from outside--he has scored just one three in each of PC's two recent losses. The Friars can also look to 6-1 Jeff Xavier--while hisshooting percentage has also dipped, he takes about a third more attempts than Williams and leads the team in scoring as a result. Xavier has been prone tofoul trouble but with steady play can really open things up inside for the Friars.
Providence, picked eighth in the pre-season balloting among coaches, was expected to be strong up front, but injuries have reduced its strength. SophomoreBrian McKenzie is a combo guard/forward with a three point touch, but his numbers have trailed off as the Friars have. At 83 percent from the line, he could bea steadying presence late, if fouls play a factor. Power forward Geoff McDermott was an all-Big East selection in the pre-season, but has been hampered by kneeproblems much of the season. He may be catching a second win, however. McDermott turned in an 18 point, 7 rebound effort against Louisville and is capable ofbig things in this game. McDermott is averaging 8.5 rebounds in conference play, a team high.
Providence has also seen inconsistent play from a player who has had his share of success against georgetown in 6-11 Randall Hanke. Hanke, who did not play in2006-07, scored 35 points in two games against the Hoyas in 2005 and 2006, most from high percentage shots up close. While Hanke clocks in at a 66 percent pacein 2008, he isn't getting many touches. If he does Monday, Georgetown could again be in trouble.
Providence's weak point in 2008 has been defense. It shoots 45 percent from the field and gives up an equal percentage the other way. PC likes the zonedefense and if Georgetown continues to struggle to get the ball into Hibbert or to connect from three, it invites the kind of sloppy ball handling seen in thelast three games. Outside shooting, for both teams, will be essential.
Here's a look at some potential matchups:
Jonathan Wallace vs. Dwain Williams. Wallace appears to have rediscovered his shooting touch in the second half versus Syracuse. The senior figures to have anadvantage on the PC sophomore and needs to pick up more assists inside to keep Georgetown on the move.
Jessie Sapp vs. Jeff Xavier. What was once the best defensive guard in the Big East has shown signs of slippage in recent games. Jerry Smith and Jonny Flynntook Sapp to task in their offensive sets over the last two games and Sapp must contain Xavier for Georgetown to be effective in the transition game.
Austin Freeman vs. Brian McKenzie. Syracuse's Paul Harris ran by, over, and through Freeman Saturday. He needs a much better effort Monday, and needs torediscover his shooting.
DaJuan Summers vs.Geoff McDermott . Georgetown will go as far as DaJuan Summers will take them in this game. Summers must assert himself on the floor as JeffGreen did late last season--his offensive plays have not given Georgetown the scoring punch it needs. McDermott could be in for a big game if Summers stayspassive.
Roy Hibbert vs. Randall Hanke. Hanke's offense had its way with Hibbert in the earlier two games, albeit with a much less experienced Hibbert in play.Still, there seems to be a trepidation Georgetown faces when Hibbert is stuck with early foul trouble, whether due to the prospect of vernon Macklin off thebench or the lack of on-court leadership when he sits. Keeping Hibbert down low where he is most successful (and not playing defense above the foul line) seemsa good first step in both regards.
GU bench vs. Providence bench. 6-5 Forward Weyinmi Efejuku, who had disappeared from the PC scoring charts of late, scored 10 points Saturday and could be afactor if McKenzie is struggling. Like Syracuse, PC is thin at guard depth.
Keys to the game:
1. Guard play. Providence is 13th in field goal defense, which could be a a factor of guard plays becomes tightened with fouls. Of course, Syracuse was 14th inthat category, so Georgetown must do a considerably better job in any event.
2. Three Pointers. Absent a better effort inside, it's PC's key to this game. Veteran Hoya fans remember a game at Providence in 2001 where PC went14-19 from three point range and led by 26 at the half en route to a 103-79 win. Clearly, this is not a blueprint for Georgetown to be successful in this one.
3. Geoff McDermott. For PC to contend, McDermott also needs a big game.
Despite the threats from the outside and from McDermott, this figures to be a team much like the Seton Hall, a game where the opponent will look to force lotsof turnovers and get the game to the free throw line. Both have hurt Georgetown in games over the past two weeks--Georgetown has averaged 15.7 turnovers pergame and given up an average of 21 free throws per game at an 80 percent opponent clip. Of course, what stopped Seton Hall was good defense and playersstepping up, which, in the end, will be a prescription that helps cure what ails the Hoyas this winter.