GEORGETOWN BASKETBALL THREAD- Recap

i think the one of the reasons it was called was b/c jwall was forced out of bounds on the play...still a very questionable call in the final seconds of thegame but it definitely was in line with the way they were calling it all night.
 
I know one of yall mighta had them...or know where/how to get one...


The father, son and Hoya spirit shirts???

Thanks.
 
"This game, I think, definitely broke us as far as getting to the NCAA tournament."

If you're Jim Boeheim, this is not the quote you want to hear from your leading scorer, but Donte Greene's response following its loss to South Floridatells the story of a Syracuse team that is beginning to fight an uphill battle for the 2008 NCAA's. SU enters Saturday's game in ninth place with eachof its next four games against ranked opponents. If the Orangemen are going to make the climb up the Big East ladder, Saturday's game with Georgetown is,as they say in political circles, a firewall game. The setbacks have to stop here.

It's no secret that Syracuse can get up for a game with Georgetown, but how much will the loss to South Florida weigh them down? Not at all.

The Orangemen could easily be 19-6 right now, were it not for two shots at the buzzer, and a first half fog that enveloped its game in Tampa Wednesday. Despiteinjuries and suspensions, the starting five is as good as any in the league, and if they can somehow put together a strong first half, Syracuse will be asevere test to a Georgetown team that has struggled in hostile road settings.

Since Georgetown last met Syracuse, guard Scoop Jardine was suspended from the team and fully returned to action in a 37 minute, 10 point effort against SouthFlorida. Over his five previous games Jardine shot 4-17 and has yet to establish a consistent scoring rhythm. In last month's game at Verizon, Jardine wasscoreless from the field and has to do better for Syracuse to maintain some offensive punch in Saturday's game.

No such worries for 6-0 Jonny Flynn, though. The freshman guard is averaging 18.2 points over his last eight games, and has not taken a minute on the benchsince Jan. 19. Coach Boeheim has little choice, of course, but one has to ask of the freshman will hit a wall under such non-stop play. Flynn started 1-6against South Florida but finished with 16 points as Syracuse cut a 17 point deficit with 6:57 to play to just three with 1:18 left. Flynn's quickness tothe basket and his ability to disrupt defensive sets will be worth watching in the game, as well as whether Boeheim will follow the recent lead of othercoaches and aim to have Flynn set up in full and three-quarter court presses. Either way, it's a dangerous matchup for the Syracuse freshman which put up24 on the Hoyas Jan. 21 and came thisclose to a buzzer beater at game's end.

After going with reserve Kristof Ongenaet at forward in Jardine's absence, expect Paul Harris to move back from guard to small forward. Harris postedseason highs of 28 and 24 points against Villanova and Connecticut, buoyed by a combined 19-24 from the line. Harris, an able rebounder, picked up 10 reboundsin last month's Georgetown game, which were crucial in allowing Syracuse back in the game. The Hoyas cannot afford Harris having a big game on both ends ofthe court.

Donte Greene's poor start against Georgetown is in the past, as he should fare considerably better at home. Greene has scored in double figures in all butone conference game, and were it not for his erratic outside shooting (5-25 over the last four games) he would be a dominant force for the Orangemen. Greeneposted 17 points but six turnovers in the South Florida game, and must improve his 37% shooting mark in conference play.

Center Arinze Onuaku is a tough defender on any court, especially at home. He is averaging almost nine rebounds a game in Big East play, and his 64 percentshooting average is effective...when he gets the ball. Onuaku is averaging less than nine shots a game, and has not been effective closing out the foul shot,shooting 44 percent from the line. Onuaku missed a number of free throws late against Georgetown which proved decisive.

Despite its record, Georgetown has not dominated a first-tier Big East opponent since Notre Dame on Jan. 12. Narrow wins to Connecticut, Syracuse, WestVirginia, and Villanova have labeled the Hoyas as a vulnerable team, and such was the case in last week's struggles in Louisville. Games in Syracuse hasnot been kind to the Hoyas in recent years, as Georgetown has won once since the 1994-95 season. For that to change, individual matchups are key.

Here's a look at some potential matchups:

Jonathan Wallace vs. Scoop Jardine. Wallace appears to have regained his shooting touch and Georgetown will need a strong effort in this one to open up adefense that expects to smother Roy Hibbert inside.
Jessie Sapp vs. Jonny Flynn. The best matchup from last month's game, Sapp's offense did not match his defensive effort. Look for Sapp to be moreaggressive moving to the basket and to take advantage at the line.
Austin Freeman vs. Paul Harris. Harris is the key to a Syracuse win and was effective in working past Freeman on the boards. Look for another 20-22 minutesfrom Patrick Ewing Jr. in any event.
DaJuan Summers vs.Donte Greene . In the first game, Greene had the edge in scoring and was able to keep Summers off stride with a 2-9 shooting effort.Georgetown needs a better effort from Summers to keep Greene from taking over the game.
Roy Hibbert vs. Arinze Onuaku. Onuaku gave Hibbert quite a battle in their last game but both players must avoid early fouls if the game is called tight.Hibbert has not posted a signature game this season and must do a better job defending the offensive rebounds, where SU had a +11 in offensive rebounding inlast month's matchup.
GU bench vs. Syracuse bench. Syracuse is basically a seven man team at this point. Two players combine for 6.8 points a game in forwards Rick Jackson andKristof Ongenaet, but there is no guard support if Jardine or Flynn are struggling. No other player has scored more than two points in Big East play, soSyracuse is on a thin margin if fouls play a role.

Keys to the game:
1. Guard play. Georgetown must control the ball up the court and do a better job of involving Summers and Hibbert at points in the game where they havedisappeared.
2. Rebounds. Rebounding has saved Syracuse in games this year. The up and down Georgetown rebounding effort, particularly in second half play, must limitsecond chance points.
3. Austin Freeman. Freeman's defense on Paul Harris could prove decisive--the Orangemen need Harris as a second option when Greene or Flynn is contained,and Harris remains an underrated player on this team. Freeman must be alert to Harris' screens and avoid penetrations into zone coverage.

The prognosis for last month's game mirrors this one: The Hoyas must keep Greene and Onuaku off the offensive boards, slow Flynn down, and keep the game ata slower pace. The Orangemen are 1-5 in games under 70 points, 15-4 above 70. The last game at the Carrier Dome where Georgetown held the Orangemen under 70?The last game they won in Syracuse, during the 2001-02 season.

For Syracuse to win, Greene has a big game as Georgetown falls victim to fouls and three pointers to rally the home crowd. Georgetown's best weapon sitsright in the middle, for Roy Hibbert is capable of dominating the Orange inside if the situation presents itself. Lessons learned from the last two gamesshould put Georgetown in a better position to reject Syracuse's need for a big win, but these next two games will be severe tests for the Hoyas to adjustto road conditions in the second half of games.

As this season has proved, there isn't much that separates the top 10 teams in this league. But with only a one game gap at the top of the standings, aroad win Saturday would continue to establish Georgetown's place at the top of that list.
 
Jon's play today and the whole 2nd half = good news.

Hopefully this is a start to somethin


The first half was awful....

I think it's obvious we need to push the ball more, Jeff isn't around to open up space in the half court.


It's a quick turnaround with the 4pm start Monday.
 
"This team just doesn't have the hardness necessary to win against a good team on the road," Georgetown Coach John Thompson IIIsaid

Hopefully he lit a fire in them
 
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.
 
We're making good passes

eek.gif
eek.gif
eek.gif
eek.gif
eek.gif
eek.gif
 
Jon,

If you do not have your whole body squared up...DO NOT SHOOT.


Austin is making great passes, we're rebounding...

but more of the same crap.
 
a bunch of %+%*+@* guards and wings that take dumb shots

give roy the ball every time.


And now we've decided to stop playing defense.
 
Tyler needs and deserves 10-15 minutes a game.

I've gone back and forth on him in his 4 years, but today makes me believe this.

The team has little heart or passion, he brings it. And he knows the offense and seems to be the only one who is at the elbow correctly against the 2-3.
 
laugh.gif
I mean....People prolly dont even know that there is a 4pm game on.... I just happened to turn to ESPN 2....

PE Jr!!!!!
 
The 4 senior and Rivers lineup won this game.

They played extremely well, and most importantly looked for Roy. Austin, Dajuan and Jessie have to do the same, or they can sit on the bench for all I care.

I'd rather go to war with those 5 that won the game today.


Came in down 6, left up 7...

73687909.jpg


pimp.gif
 
man good to see Wallace finally get with it today in the 2nd half. damn 360 didnt work at work today so i had to watch on gamecast.
 
Chris Wright practiced yesterday...at least that's what I hear.

I don't know if this means he'll be back, but it'd be nice
 
Louisville has it. Connecticut definitely has it. But Georgetown doesn't have it, at least not yet.

If teams plan to play through March, momentum is essential. The 2006-07 Hoyas won an amazing 19 of 20 games en route to the Final Four--some by large margins,others less so--but everyone could see the Hoyas were coming. This year's team has a better record after 25 games than their predecessor, but a record ofonly 4-2 in February and 3-3 against the top nine schools in the conference, 8-0 against the bottom seven.

The Hoyas' stretch run offers the chance to rebuild the momentum it had in January. Three home games in its last four give Georgetown fans something tohope for as the Big East winds down. Saturday's opponent is a great opportunity to reestablish the swagger.

Cincinnati continues to make progress under second year coach Mick Cronin, surprising many with wins over West Virginia and Louisville to earn a sixth placestanding in the Big East. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, which must travel to Georgetown, Pitt and UConn before it's all done, the road has been a minefield, with the Bearcats just 4-16 over the last three seasons. For UC to make their move, it starts in the backcourt.

Guard Deonta Vaughn has quietly made his case for all-conference honors in 2007-08, as the Bearcats' most reliable offensive weapon. Vaughn has led theBearcats in scoring in all but two games since early December, thanks to consistent shooting and solid numbers (81%) from the line. He accounts for nearly halfof the team's three pointers, and a quarter of its total points. He scored 13 of UC's 16 points in an overtime win over Rutgers, and when leftunchallenged can be a dangerous outside shooter. However, his 39% outside shooting bears the mark of a player who sometimes forces the outside shot.

But with the up and down UC offense, Vaughn is relied on a little to heavily in that regard. Fellow starter Jamual Warren has the best assist to turnover ratioon the team (2.47) but his 38 percent shooting and 25% shooting from three have not provided enough firepower in games to date. Warren has scored as many asnine points just once in conference play.

Similar returns have befell small forward Marvin Gentry (8.4 ppg), with a 36 percent outside shooting edge. But the key to UC's late resurgence has been in6-8 John Williamson. Averaging 9.5 points and 6.0 points just four games ago, Williamson went for 47 points and 17 rebounds in wins against Rutgers and St.John's, but slumped to a 2-9 gamer against South Florida. Williamson has struggled in tight defensive sets, and his ability to make some noise in the lowpost is essential for Cincinnati to contend.

Much like Providence, Cincinnati is not getting point production at center. 6-11 Adam Hrycaniuk has posted double figures in just one conference game, thoughhe is a capable rebounder who picked up 11 boards against Villanova. Cronin could to to the smaller but tougher Marcus Sikes in the middle, but his scoring hasdropped by two thirds this season and is now a sixth man. Against some teams Sikes might be an option, but not when giving up six inches to the 7-2 RoyHibbert.

Cincinnati's stats suggest a stout defensive team, and while the Bearcats are much improved from recent years, a bizarre set of numbers against WestVirginia tilts these statistics. In its Jan. 30 game with the Bearcats, West Virginia shot an astounding 10 of 50 from the field and 1-22 from three pointrange, scoring only 39 points all evening. While Cincinnati has kept other programs cold from outside (32.1%), it's own shooting mark of 33% is lacking.

Here's a look at some potential matchups:

Jonathan Wallace vs. Jamual Warren. If Jessie Sapp takes the quicker Deonta Vaughn in defensive sets, Wallace should be able to get open shots over Manual.Much as he did against Providence, Wallace's three point shooting is a direct beneficiary.

Jessie Sapp vs. Deonta Vaughn. The unusual benching of Sapp in the second half of Providence was emblematic of a stretch where Sapp's defense was poor andhis shooting even more so. In the last six games, Sapp is 16 for 46 from the field. Still, his primary focus must be in containing Vaughn, who hit four threesand 18 points overall against the Hoyas in last year's game.

Austin Freeman vs. Marvin Gentry. Freeman has hit a wall of sorts this season but Georgetown needs more from him to make its case at tournament time. Look fora more relaxed Freeman to score early on Gentry and set the pace for a quicker Hoya team.

DaJuan Summers vs.John Williamson . Williamson was absolutely stuffed in last year's game--0 for 7, thanks to Jeff Green. Opponents have faredcomparatively better with Summers at the power forward position, and Summers must keep Williamson out of the paint where he is likely to pick up easy shots orfree throws, where his free throw shooting has picked up considerably in Big East play.

Roy Hibbert vs. Adam Hrycaniuk. Last year's game against Cincinnati saw Hibbert virtually unchallenged: 1-13 from the field, 26 points, 11 rebounds.Georgetown needs to get the ball to Hibbert as a matter of course going forward. As potentially the best center in the nation, he needs 12-15 shot attemptsevery game.

GU bench vs. Cincinnati. Look for a pair of freshman in Rashad Bishop (5.1 ppg) and Larry Bishop (4.2 ppg) to make some noise in this game. While his shootinghas suffered of late, Bishop is an intriguing option if Cronin plays him alongside Williamson. Bishop is picking up his scoring and may be an option if Warrencannot pick up points on the wing.

Keys to the game follow those cited from last year's game:
1. Three Pointers. Cincinnati put in 14 threes against GU last year, but if UC starts cold from outside, things will not get better. The Hoyas must prepare forearly artillery from Cincinnati's guards.
2. Height. Cincinnati hustles for rebounds given its size, but Georgetown must use height to its advantage.
3. Free throws. Expect Cincinnati to be aggressive and put Georgetown on the line. Putting those free throws away will be important.

Both teams thrive on low scoring, defensive minded games, but Cronin's Bearcats are still short the help on the perimeter that could give Georgetown pausein this game. Georgetown's goals for this game will be to re-establish a broad based set of offensive that is capable of better shooting and tougherdefense, and the redevelopment of Sapp and Freeman will be worth watching on both fronts.

March is coming--are these Hoyas ready?
 
Back
Top Bottom