Georgetown welcomes the Creighton Bluejays to Capital One Arena Monday night for a pivotal clash in the Big East. The Hoyas find themselves in 8th place in the Big East with a 2-3 conference record after their crushing 74-71 loss to Marquette. Creighton enters the match-up at 1-4 and riding a 4-game losing streak.
It is obvious that both teams need this game badly. Trey Mourning set reasonable expectations for Hoya fans at media day before the beginning of the season by stating Georgetown needed to finish in the top half of the Big East this season. Another home loss would have Georgetown slowly see that objective slipping away.
Regardless of their record, Creighton presents a unique challenge for Georgetown. The Bluejays are a potent offensive team, averaging 79.2 points per game. A large reason for this is Creighton’s capability from behind the arc. The Bluejays shoot 43% as a team from three-point range. They feature the top two three-point shooters (by percentage) in the Big East in Marcus Zegarowski and Mitch Ballock, hitting 50.7% and 46.6% respectively.
Creighton’s most consistent weapon is 6-foot-9, 235lbs forward Martin Krampejl. Krampejl, an inside-out threat, has been on an offensive tear since the start of Big East play, averaging about 16 points and 9 rebounds. Jessie Govan will have his hands full guarding Krampejl’s versatile offensive game. Govan has struggled to consistently defend big men with comparable size in the post. Providence’s Nate Watson, who stands at 6-foot-10, poured in 21 points shooting 82% from the field.
The Hoyas ought to be wary with liberally sending help down low due to Creighton’s ability to litter the court with shooters.
With all of this being said, Georgetown should not have many issues scoring against Creighton. Big East opponents are averaging 85.8 points per game against the Bluejays. The Bluejays do not have any player capable of matching up with Govan. Look for Jessie to snatch another impressive double-double.
The key to Georgetown’s offense lies in the consistency of Mac McClung. McClung has been nothing short of fantastic since returning from his high ankle sprain. McClung has shot over 50% in both of his Big East games while scoring 16 and 24 points respectively. The key to McClung’s success has been twofold. Firstly, he has extended his range to beyond the arc as he is shooting 50% from three during Big East play.
Secondly, McClung’s ability to attack the lane and finish among bigger players has increased since the beginning of the season. His athleticism allows him to creatively find ways to get off his shot.
The key to this game could be how effectively Georgetown defends Ty-Shon Alexander. Alexander is a 6-foot-4 athletic, scoring guard who can create his own shot off of the dribble. Alexander has averaged 16.4 points per game during Big East play, but his production has noticeably dipped when playing on the road. In Creighton’s 84-69 loss at Butler, Alexander only scored 9 points on 23% shooting from the field and 10% from three. Alexander had difficulty at St. John’s as well, only shooting 30.8% from the field and scoring 10 points. Look for Ewing to give Alexander a heavy dose of Jamorko Pickett and Jagan Mosley throughout the game.
This game will boil down to whether Georgetown can consistently stop Creighton down the stretch of this game. As stated above, Georgetown should be able to score at home versus Creighton, but Georgetown’s defense has been spotty all year. If the Hoyas stay disciplined on the perimeter and communicate effectively on switches and help situations, the Hoyas will get back to .500.
Prediction: Georgetown 84, Creighton 79
Totally Agree, Dan!