Preview
After three of its last four games on the road, Georgetown returns to MCI Center for three of its next four at home. A non-televised game against South Florida seems a likely win after the Bulls' collapse against St. John's Saturday, but the game is deceptive. This was a team that lost to West Virginia by four and Syracuse by six, so the Bulls can play any team tough.
The St. John's loss was exacerbated by leading scorer James Holmes going 1 for 14 in the game--don't expect a repeat performance Tuesday. The senior guard has vastly improved his shooting touch this season, and his 18.1 ppg reflects his ability to carry the load in the conference this season. Holmes' 23 points on Syracuse on Jan. 8 kept the Bulls within reach of a major upset, and his ability to pick up points will be essential to the team's hopes.
The presumed last place team at season's end in the Big East, South Florida ranks near the bottom of most Big East categories, excepting one--they have the lowest points allowed per team. Georgetown plays likewise, but must not allow South Florida to play it safe. The Bulls lead the league in turnovers (21 a game) and must be forced into making mistakes. And for the collective blood pressure of the fans at MCI Center, this is not a team Georgetown wants to play from behind.
Here's a look at some potential matchups:
Jonathan Wallace vs. Chris Capko. Capko has struggled in conference games to date, shooting 1 for 12 in three games and averaging less than four points a game. Wallace has been solid on defense and needs to continue to set the table for the Hoyas' inside game.
Ashanti Cook vs. James Holmes. As Holmes goes, so go the Bulls, and this will be the key matchup of the game. Cook must force Holmes into poor shot selection and force turnovers (Holmes averages 4.2 turnovers per game).
Brandon Bowman vs. Melvin Buckley. Buckley posted a double double (11 pts, 11 rebounds) against Syracuse, so Bowman cannot take him lightly. Nonetheless, Bowman has a height and speed advantage which should play to his favor.
Jeff Green vs. McHugh Mattis. Shooting 77% in Big East play (14 for 18) and collecting at least ten rebounds in 10 of 15 games, Mattis is a key factor if the Bulls are to stay close. Green must play solid defense and avoid foul trouble.
Roy Hibbert vs Solomon Jones. Jones scored 17 against St. John's, but Hibbert has the edge in his ability to get points inside. Neither team has center strength off the bench, so fouls will again be key in this matchup.
GU bench vs. USF bench. The Bulls' bench does not go deep. 6-7 forward Melvyn Richardson (2.5 ppg) should see time, but the rest of the bench averages a combined 1.0 ppg. The Georgetown bench has not contributed scoring in Big East play to date and someone needs to step up when called.
Keys to the game:
1. The First Half. The Bulls have not scored more than 22 points in the first half in conference play to date, but play considerably better in the second half, almost even with its opponents. The Hoyas needs to get out front and stay there.
2. Fouls. Neither team can afford missing starters to fouls, but USF is particularly thin if the calls do not go its way.
3. Zone Defense. Georgetown must find a better way to attack zone defenses and use its passing for good open shots from two as well as three. The scoring will be low in this game and Georgetown must be efficient in its attempts.
There's a certain nationally televised game on the horizon, but the Hoyas can't look ahead, lest they find themselves on a three game losing streak heading into the Duke game. USF will bite someone in the league this season, but if the Hoyas play to its skills, it needn't be Tuesday.
After three of its last four games on the road, Georgetown returns to MCI Center for three of its next four at home. A non-televised game against South Florida seems a likely win after the Bulls' collapse against St. John's Saturday, but the game is deceptive. This was a team that lost to West Virginia by four and Syracuse by six, so the Bulls can play any team tough.
The St. John's loss was exacerbated by leading scorer James Holmes going 1 for 14 in the game--don't expect a repeat performance Tuesday. The senior guard has vastly improved his shooting touch this season, and his 18.1 ppg reflects his ability to carry the load in the conference this season. Holmes' 23 points on Syracuse on Jan. 8 kept the Bulls within reach of a major upset, and his ability to pick up points will be essential to the team's hopes.
The presumed last place team at season's end in the Big East, South Florida ranks near the bottom of most Big East categories, excepting one--they have the lowest points allowed per team. Georgetown plays likewise, but must not allow South Florida to play it safe. The Bulls lead the league in turnovers (21 a game) and must be forced into making mistakes. And for the collective blood pressure of the fans at MCI Center, this is not a team Georgetown wants to play from behind.
Here's a look at some potential matchups:
Jonathan Wallace vs. Chris Capko. Capko has struggled in conference games to date, shooting 1 for 12 in three games and averaging less than four points a game. Wallace has been solid on defense and needs to continue to set the table for the Hoyas' inside game.
Ashanti Cook vs. James Holmes. As Holmes goes, so go the Bulls, and this will be the key matchup of the game. Cook must force Holmes into poor shot selection and force turnovers (Holmes averages 4.2 turnovers per game).
Brandon Bowman vs. Melvin Buckley. Buckley posted a double double (11 pts, 11 rebounds) against Syracuse, so Bowman cannot take him lightly. Nonetheless, Bowman has a height and speed advantage which should play to his favor.
Jeff Green vs. McHugh Mattis. Shooting 77% in Big East play (14 for 18) and collecting at least ten rebounds in 10 of 15 games, Mattis is a key factor if the Bulls are to stay close. Green must play solid defense and avoid foul trouble.
Roy Hibbert vs Solomon Jones. Jones scored 17 against St. John's, but Hibbert has the edge in his ability to get points inside. Neither team has center strength off the bench, so fouls will again be key in this matchup.
GU bench vs. USF bench. The Bulls' bench does not go deep. 6-7 forward Melvyn Richardson (2.5 ppg) should see time, but the rest of the bench averages a combined 1.0 ppg. The Georgetown bench has not contributed scoring in Big East play to date and someone needs to step up when called.
Keys to the game:
1. The First Half. The Bulls have not scored more than 22 points in the first half in conference play to date, but play considerably better in the second half, almost even with its opponents. The Hoyas needs to get out front and stay there.
2. Fouls. Neither team can afford missing starters to fouls, but USF is particularly thin if the calls do not go its way.
3. Zone Defense. Georgetown must find a better way to attack zone defenses and use its passing for good open shots from two as well as three. The scoring will be low in this game and Georgetown must be efficient in its attempts.
There's a certain nationally televised game on the horizon, but the Hoyas can't look ahead, lest they find themselves on a three game losing streak heading into the Duke game. USF will bite someone in the league this season, but if the Hoyas play to its skills, it needn't be Tuesday.
