The Hoyas welcome Northwestern to Capital One tomorrow night as part of the 8th annual Big 10-Big East Gavitt Tipoff Games. Georgetown will look to move to 3-0 on the young season as they come off a dominant win this Saturday vs. Green Bay. The game will be televised on FS1.
The first “Real Competition” for the Hoyas
Northwestern is by no means one of the better teams in the Big 10, but they aren’t a pushover either. Both teams have not played against serious competition up to this point, so this is definitely the first “big” matchup circled for both.
The Wildcats come to DC led by 6’9” senior forward Robbie Beran. Beran has averaged 17.5 points and 6 rebounds through the first two games. Beran has also shot 4-7 from the perimeter along with 4 blocks. Northwestern has an 8 man rotation that features good guard play from Boo Buie and Ty Berry. The backcourt duo has combined to average 27 points and 9 assists. Surprisingly, Berry actually leads the team in rebounds, averaging 9. This could be something for the Hoya guards to watch. Berry’s ability on the glass will require guys like Brandon Murray and Primo Spears to make sure they rebound the basketball.
One weakness the Hoyas may try to exploit is the fact that the Wildcats do not shoot well from the perimeter, hitting just 35% of their shots, but that does not mean they are not capable. Since defending the 3 point line has been a struggle for the Hoyas thus far, Ewing’s team must do a better job of contesting outside looks to succeed on defense.
Northwestern has a solid coaching staff led by Chris Collins, a former assistant at Duke under Coach K. Coaching could be an underrated part of the game to watch as it should be very competitive. With the game possibly being decided in the last few possessions, this matchup may come down to who makes better in-game adjustments.
*Finally* some reinforcements
At long last, after much doubt, Jay Heath’s waiver has finally been approved by the NCAA. Heath is eligible immediately and will be able to play tomorrow night. Additionally, LSU big man transfer Bradley Ezewiro is expected to return from injury. Both will add depth and are expected to contribute to the Hoyas attack. I wouldn’t expect either to shine in their returns, but they will play a role in the game plan Tuesday.
Predictions
Cam
70-67 Hoyas
Although I am conflicted, optimism, as well as true belief in this team leads me to pick Georgetown. I think this team is more athletically gifted than Northwestern, and should be able to use that size and speed to overpower them. Qudus Wahab should match up well against Beran, therefore helping to minimize the Wildcats number 1 threat. Getting Ezewiro and Heath back will add much needed depth and hopefully give the team the boost they need in this one.
Best Bet: Georgetown -105
Armen (2-0, Bets 1-1)
67-65 Hoyas
He might not start, but damnit I don’t care. Jay Heath is back and that’s the only explanation I need.
Best Bet: Georgetown -105
Brendan (2-0, Bets 1-1)
79-77 Hoyas
Jay Heath is back! The return of the Junior guard should inject some life into the Hoya backcourt, which will be much needed against Boo Buie & Co. With Heath coming into the fold and Ezewiro entering the lineup off the bench, Ewing should be able to deploy a variety of lineups that can keep up offensively with Northwestern’s scorers. As the great Coach Crouch once said, “You smell that? It smells like a Hoya win”.
Best Bet: Georgetown +1.5
John (2-0, Bets 1-1)
74-68 Northwestern
I wasn’t at the game this past Saturday nor did I watch any highlights, so I’m an uninformed citizen when it comes to the quality of play the Hoyas clearly exerted in their second-half demolishment of Green Bay. But I’ll tell you this: that first game against Coppin State was horrific. There’s no other way to slice it. Going off of that: the first half against Green Bay wasn’t exactly a huge step up. Now, Chris Collins isn’t a great coach, but he has a history of producing some quality defenses in a really tough conference. Despite going below .500 in each of their last two seasons, per KenPom, Northwestern still managed to finish in the top 75 in adjusted defensive efficiency and is 37th this year. Call me a pessimist, but I don’t care that Heath and Ezewiro are back. Give me the ‘Cats.
Best Bet: Northwestern -1.5
