After arguably the biggest win of Ewing’s career, the Hoyas continue their midwestern road-trip, facing the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs at 9:30 pm Saturday night. Following a disappointing 2018-19 season, the Mustangs appear to have turned it around and are undefeated thus far this season. The Hoyas are featured as SMU’s “headline” home game this season, so the Mustangs are more than ready for what the Hoyas are going to bring. With a deep front court and a solid defense, the Mustangs are no easy match-up.
Coming off back-to-back blowout wins, SMU has been holding opponents to 59.6 points per game, something that does not favor the Hoyas. Despite having a weak schedule thus far (their SOS ranks 353rd in the country according to KenPom), SMU seems to be finding its groove as the season progresses. In their previous two games, their defensive performance proved to be the separating factor. However, preparing for the high quality play of Mac McClung and Omer Yurtseven will be something the Mustangs have yet to face this season.
SMU’s talent lies predominantly in the depth of their front court. Leading scorer Mike Isiaha averages 15.9 points per game to go along with his 6.9 rebounds. Though Yurtseven has a few inches and almost 60 pounds on him, this will be no easy defensive assignment. Isiaha’s ability to shoot the three adds another layer to his offensive game that could be challenging for the Hoyas to guard. He is complemented by junior Ethan Chargois who is battling an ankle injury and is questionable for Saturday’s game. If he plays, Chargois can be a difference maker for the Mustangs. After a breakout sophomore season, Chargois is averaging 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds so far this season. Qudus Wahab coming off the bench needs to be a strong force down low to help keep the Hoyas afloat, especially if Yurtseven struggles with foul trouble.
In the backcourt, the Mustangs are led by 5’11” guard Kendric Davis. Despite being hurt for the first few games of the season, Davis has seamlessly transitioned into the Mustang’s offensive leader, helping them to play at a faster pace. Averaging 15.8 points per game, and dishing out 26 assists in his last three games, Davis has been crucial to the Mustang’s success so far. His fellow guard, 6’4” Tyson Jolly, is a more physical, stronger presence. A transfer from Baylor, Jolly faced many expectations, and is largely living up to the hype, averaging 14.4 points per game. Jolly poses a potentially difficult matchup for Georgetown’s smaller guards, thus the Hoyas’ backcourt will certainly have their hands full, especially given its recent changes.
As the Hoyas continue to sort things out with their new-look roster, let’s hope they can build off the promise displayed in the win over Oklahoma State. It will be interesting to see if Terrell Allen can continue to thrive in his new role and how Ewing uses his new rotation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of the program, there is an opportunity for the Hoyas to continue to surprise people, one win at a time. Last year, SMU upset Georgetown at Capital One Arena. Saturday’s game is the perfect chance for the Hoyas to exact some revenge against the Mustangs.
Kathryn’s Prediction (2-0 on the year): Georgetown 78, SMU 70
SMU’s deceptive undefeated record shouldn’t faze the Hoyas. It’s almost the same as Georgetown’s embarrassing non-conference schedule last year. Ewing has a lot to prove still, and tomorrow will help us figure out if Wednesday’s win against Oklahoma State was a fluke. Mac McClung will likely have to carry the pack again, but he’s not going to be able to do it all alone every game. Look for Jamorko Pickett or Jagan Mosely to help balance McClung’s play. The other scoring has to come from Yurtseven if the Hoyas want to come away with a win.
Jacob’s Prediction (6-2 on the year): Georgetown 79, SMU 66
There’s something to be said for going 8-0 to start the year. Except for the fact that SMU has played literally nobody. Heck, my 5th grade CYO team may have played a harder schedule than SMU has! As mentioned above, their strength of schedule is 353rd in the NCAA according to KenPom. To put that into perspective, there are only 353 D1 teams in the NCAA. All I’m trying to say is that we shouldn’t assume SMU is good simply because they haven’t lost a game.
Georgetown’s Omer Yurtseven has had a couple quiet games in a row, at least by his lofty standards. With SMU lacking a player who can match up physically with Yurtseven, I think this is the game Omer breaks out of his slump and leads the Hoyas to a second consecutive road victory.
Will’s Prediction (5-3 on the year): Georgetown 79. SMU 72
I half expect a hangover game after a major road victory against Oklahoma State, but I do think that the chemistry we saw on Wednesday is for real. The keys to success will be Yurtseven putting up a strong performance, paired with more strong play from Terrell Allen and Mac McClung.
