Hoyas Open Big East Play at Providence, Look To Keep Win Streak Alive

Coming off their 6th straight win, Georgetown travels up north to take on the Providence Friars to open up Big East play on Tuesday. Though Providence has struggled at times, this is arguably the first real test for Georgetown 2.0. At 7-6 overall, it seems the Friars will be in the bottom half of the Big East this year. Nonetheless, conference games are always a challenge, especially on the road. 

After Ed Cooley turned down the job at Michigan and decided to stay at Providence, hopes were high for the Friars this season. After a disappointing 2018-19, the Friars acquired transfers to help fill their gaps in the backcourt. However, hopes of improvement have diminished, as the Friars have ugly losses to Charleston and Long Beach State. They have faced some quality teams thus far, such as Rhode Island and Florida, both of which were losses. In their most recent outing, however, they blew out Texas, giving Friars fans hope that things are trending in the right direction. Who knows which Friar team will show up against the Hoyas?

Providence returned many of their core players from last year, only losing two role players. With the additions of Luwane Pipkins and Greg Gantt, the Friars were confident in their new roster. Thus far, senior shooting guard Alpha Diallo has been the center of the Providence offense, averaging 14.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Having had a double-double in 6 of 13 games this season, it is safe to say Diallo is a huge key to the Friars’  success. At 6’7”, Diallo presents an interesting matchup. Look for Jamorko Pickett, or possibly Jagan Mosely, to be tasked with keeping Diallo in check. Offset by graduate transfer Luwane Pipkins at point guard and David Duke on the wing, these guards provide much of the Friars’ offense.

One area where Georgetown should have an advantage is underneath. Omer Yurtseven will yet again be the tallest player on the court. For the Friars, 6’10” Nate Watson is their third leading scorer, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. Coming off a season where Watson showed much improvement, he has battled a knee injury that caused him to miss the first four games of the season. Since then, Watson has been a strong presence down low with his 250-pound frame. This will be a key matchup, as Watson will be one of the tougher forwards Yurtseven has encountered thus far. 

Hoya fans are holding their breath, however, as it is uncertain whether Mac McClung will play. After exiting the last game with an eye injury, Georgetown has been rather mute about his status. This would be a major loss for the Hoyas, as McClung provides a big boost of scoring and energy. Multiple other players will have to step up in a major way, including Jahvon Blair, Jamorko Pickett, Jagan Mosely and Terrell Allen, with one of them likely needing to have a breakout scoring game. If McClung doesn’t play, this will be a major test for the Hoyas. If McClung doesn’t play and the Hoyas prevail, many Hoya fans will be able to breathe a little easier. 

Providence’s unpredictability has plagued them so far this season. As the Hoyas have their first Big East road test, look for a strong showing from the Friars. Regardless, the Hoyas have been a much better team so far this season. Given things continue as they have been, the Hoyas should leave Rhode Island on New Year’s Eve with their 7th win in a row. McClung (given he plays) and Yurtseven need to continue their strong performances and keep out of foul trouble. Scoring help from Pickett, Mosely, and Allen, should help round out another win for the Hoyas. Hopefully Timothy Ighoefe and George Muresean will continue with their more limited yet important play coming off the bench. Here’s to hoping Big East play and 2020 start off on the right foot. 

Kathryn’s Prediction (3-0 on the year): Georgetown 82, Providence 71

Given that Providence is one of the weaker teams in the conference, this is likely the easiest it’ll get for the Hoyas. The momentum should continue for Georgetown before conference play gets into full swing. As one of their first true tests, it’ll be interesting to see how the Hoyas react. Look for McClung and Yurtseven to continue their dominance while Terrell Allen continues to fill into his role nicely. Hopefully Jahvon Blair’s sharp shooting receives help from others and Ighoefe continues to surprise everyone. 

Jacob’s Prediction (11-2 on the year): Georgetown 73, Providence 69

While we don’t have a lot of information at the moment, my gut feeling is that Mac will not play on Tuesday. Without their biggest scoring threat in the backcourt, the Hoyas will struggle to put away a Providence team that is more talented than their record suggests. I think this game comes down to the wire, but Georgetown will pull it out thanks to their advantage on the inside, as well as the leadership of Terrell Allen.

Will’s Prediction (10-3 on the year): Georgetown 75, Providence 69

I think that the game will come down to whether Mac McClung is available to play after leaving the game against American at halftime with an eye injury. If he is able to play, the Hoyas should be able to beat an inconsistent Providence team. I’m leaning more towards that Mac is going to be able to play tomorrow, hence my prediction. However, it’s Providence’s inconsistency that scares me, because as Kathryn said, who knows which Providence team we’ll face? Tomorrow’s game should give us some more clarity about the state of the team as they head into Big East play, and whether our current short rotation and lack of depth will be tenable.

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Kevin J Kearney

It’s all about Mosley slowing down Dialo.

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