After a somewhat promising yet equally frustrating loss at Villanova, the Hoyas return home to take on the newly-ranked Creighton Blue Jays. Breaking into the top 25 just this week, the Blue Jays come in on a one-game win streak, but still sit in 5th place in the Big East. At 13-4 overall, Creighton has proved themselves as a legitimate tournament contender with wins over Oklahoma, Marquette, and Xavier. As Big East play continues, this would certainly be a crucial home win for the Hoyas.
Creighton’s dynamic backcourt has been a large part of their success thus far this season. Led by point guard Marcus Zegarowski, the Blue Jays’ deep backcourt serves as the core of their team. Zegarowski, who leads the team with 17.1 points per game, is accompanied by Ty-Shon Alexander and Mitch Ballock, both of whom are also averaging double figures. These three combine for much of the scoring for the Blue Jays, setting up a tough defensive test for Jagan Mosely, Terrell Allen, and Mac McClung.
This elite core is also highly experienced and consistent, with Ballock and Alexander having played in the NCAA Tournament in 2017-18. In total, Creighton returns four starters from last year’s team that went 9-9 in conference. This maturity translates into their play as they have helped the rest of their team improve, especially on the defensive end.
For the Hoyas, it will be important to take advantage underneath, an area where the Blue Jays struggle. As a poor rebounding team that also lacks height, this game seems prime for Omer Yurtseven to snap out of his slump. In addition, Creighton has a history of streaky shooting, making it crucial to keep them out of the paint. Villanova had success hedging their screens and utilizing their superior length, something the Hoyas will hopefully be able to emulate. Creighton likes to push the pace, so slowing them down and forcing turnovers will be key.
Perhaps the Blue Jays biggest weakness is their defense, something Hoya fans know all too well. They struggle to turn opponents over and keep them off the offensive glass. If the Hoyas can exploit these weaknesses, they will perhaps be able to come away with a victory.
The key to the game, however, may be 3-point shooting. While neither team is particularly strong from beyond the arc, they are both undefeated when they make eight or more from distance. However, the Blue Jays have held opponents to 28.6% from three thus far this season. Getting open looks from three (and making them) would do wonders for the Hoyas’ chances in this one.
If the Hoyas are able to shoot well, take advantage on the inside, and keep Creighton’s backcourt in check, they’ll give themselves a shot to win. Assuming Mac McClung is back to his usual self and Yurtseven returns to putting up double-doubles, this is one of the most winnable games at home the Hoyas have left. Here’s to (hopefully) knocking off a ranked team!
Kathryn’s Prediction: Georgetown 76, Creighton 72
Returning home after a tough loss will hopefully give the Hoyas an extra boost. Though talented, Creighton certainly has many weaknesses that can easily be exploited. If Georgetown can hit from deep and McClung and Yurtseven can both have solid games, the Hoyas should be right in this. Forcing the Blue Jays to turn it over and outrebounding them will also be key aspects to coming away victorious. The guard matchups will be exciting, as long as the Hoyas can keep their backcourt from total domination.
Jacob’s Prediction (14-3 on the year): Creighton 70, Georgetown 68
I’m far less optimistic than Kathryn when it comes to this game. There’s something about Creighton’s style of play that always gives the Hoyas fits. As a matter of fact, the Bluejays are the only conference opponent that Ewing is yet to win against in his 2-plus years as head coach. I would hope Omer Yurtseven could dominate given Creighton’s lack of size, but his play over the last two weeks does not inspire a lot of confidence. The Hoyas should keep it close at home, but I have a feeling that the better team will win this game.
Will’s Prediction (13-4 on the year): Creighton 74, Georgetown 60
I’m simply not confident about this game. I think Creighton is a bad matchup for the Hoyas, with their improved returnees and ability to shoot it from three. I’m usually as optimistic about the Hoyas as they come, but after years of watching the Hoyas get beaten down by Creighton in cruel and unusual ways, my soul has become beaten down as well. Of course, I’ll still be there at the game, cheering like hell, but I fear we’ll be off to a 1-5 start in conference play after tomorrow.
