Things are going oh-so well for Georgetown right now. Patrick Ewing’s squad is currently riding an impressive, season-saving three game winning streak, culminating in an 89-79 victory over Syracuse. While only receiving three votes for the AP Top 25 poll, the Hoyas opened up at 38 in the inaugural NET rankings, the NCAA’s official men’s hoops metric. That’s good for third in the Big East behind Butler (#4) and Villanova (#24). Additionally, sophomore Mac McClung won the Big East Player of the Week for the second straight week thanks to his 26-point performance against the Orange on Saturday.
Oh, did I mention that Georgetown men’s soccer won its first national championship Sunday? Yea, it’s been a really solid week for the Hoyas outside the news of Galen Alexander and Myron Gardner transferring.
Here’s a message to the team from its entire fanbase: please do not get complacent.
The Hoyas (7-3) are set to square off against the UMBC Retrievers (6-6) at Capital One Arena Tuesday at 6:30 P.M. This game reeks of a potential let-down performance from the Hoyas. UMBC is a highly recognizable mid-major program (thanks to its historic upset over UVA two years ago) and the Hoyas are riding the emotional high of knocking off a long-time program rival. This game represents a test to truly see if this Hoya team is different.
After a 4-0 start to the season, the Retrievers have fallen on tough times, losing 6 of their last 8. They knocked off Coppin State in their last contest 86-77 to snap a three-game losing streak. The win saw 6 Retrievers reach double-digit scoring. Forward Brandon Horvath (6-10, 200lbs) led the way with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
The Retrievers received a big boost from sophomore guard R.J. Eytle-Rock (6-3, 225lbs), who returned from a 7-game absence due to injury, to score 12 points, haul in 7 boards, and dish out 6 assists.
From a team perspective, UMBC struggles from deep, only averaging 32.3% from three. They also only hit 62.6% of their free throws, not particularly a recipe for success as a mid-major looking for an upset on the road.
However, UMBC, despite its brand recognition, should not be a challenge to this Georgetown team. The Retrievers lack the size and strength to match up against Omer Yurtseven. Horvath is their biggest player and he’d be surrendering 64lbs to Omer. Yurtseven will be doubled early and often by UMBC, opening up outside looks for a red-hot Hoya offense.
According to KenPom Ratings, Georgetown slides in 15th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Since the departures of James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc, the Hoyas are shooting a scorching 48.4% from the field and 45.9% from three. Ball movement is a big reason for this uptick in shooting percentage. The new-look Hoya offense led by Terrell Allen is unselfish and clicking on all cylinders right now. Meanwhile, UMBC ranks 233rd in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom.
This should not be a difficult game for Georgetown. They match up well against UMBC from a skill-set aspect and a measurable perspective. But in the past four years, this program has lacked the maturity and focus to string together consecutive wins against opponents of all talent-levels.
This should not be an issue with this particular unit though. This is a veteran-heavy team that is clearly focused on their performance on the court. Listening to each player speak to the media and how they interact with one another on the court showcases the maturity and drive that this program has missed as of late.
As Coach Ewing said in the Syracuse presser, “We’re in the developing stage of a great year.” Ewing clearly isn’t looking ahead. He understands how important it is for his team to show up and run the table to Big East play. Expect for his players, led by the unofficial captain Jagan Mosely, to follow suit on the court.
Jacob’s Prediction: (8-2 on the year): Georgetown 85, UMBC 72
Will’s Prediction: (7-3 on the year): Georgetown 89, UMBC 68
