"We have to make it a Big East, grind-it-out game, and then we have a chance."
The above quote from John Thompson III does not suggest a team with a lot of confidence heading into Tuesday's game at #5-ranked Xavier. Given the Hoyas' inattention to defense and a visible lack of urgency in games, it's a lot closer to reality than many fans would care to admit. Georgetown may be as little as two games away from being written out of the NCAA discussion, and if Georgetown wants to avoid a February dirge, the Hoyas have to step it up, while there is still time.
It's also a reflection that Xavier is a very good team. The Musketeers hold opponents a net 14 points under its average, have won 12 of its 16 games by 10 or more and none by less than eight. With a strong effort on rebounding and guards who can penetrate to pick up quick fouls, the Musketeers present many of the same problems that faced Georgetown in 2014-15, where Xavier swept the Hoyas in three games.
Xavier is well served by a guard oriented offense that can punish weaker teams in the frontcourt. First up: 6-2 Myles Davis, who is shooting under 40 percent from the field but who has missed ony three free throws all season--a 93% average that plays well to his inside drives, helping Xavier earn a +156 in total free throws over opponents, or an extra nine attempts per game. Davis and guard J.P. Macura were a combined 5 for 15 against Marquette (2-10 from three), but are expected to play better before the home crowd. Xavier should also see a strong effort from guard Remy Abell, a 50% three point shooter in Big East play, and 6-6 freshman Edmond Sumner, with 15 points and five rebounds against Marquette in his first game back from a concussion suffered against Villanova.
Forward Trevon Bluiett (15.3 ppg) and center Jalen Reynolds (9.6 ppg) lead the Musketeers up front. Bluiett has scored in double figures in all but one game, and had 18 points against Marquette despite a sub-par 5 for 13 effort from the field. Reynolds has fought off a recent run of foul trouble, and has received help from senior James Farr, who has enjoyed a Bradley Hayes-styled renaissance in his senior season. Farr, who averaged just 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in his first three seasons, now averages 10.3 points and just under nine rebounds a game, with a season high 16 points and 19 rebounds against Marquette.
Both schools have played a similar schedule to date in Big East play, each winning over DePaul, St. John's and Marquette and each losing to Villanova. Xavier, however, is on a four game win streak and has shown a more consistent ability to bring more of its players into scoring roles when starters have struggled. Six members of the Xavier team average 8.9 or more points, and five different players have led the team in scoring. Xavier is undefeated (16-0) when holding opponents under 50% shooting, including holding its last four Big East opponents under 40 percent. In its last four games, Georgetown is shooting at just 41 percent and has allowed opponents 19 more free throws over the course of the prior four games. Give Xavier 19 more free throws and this won't be close.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Fight or Flight: The 2015-16 Hoyas are seen as a soft team inside. Can Hayes and Govan stay out of foul trouble long enough to make an impact?
El Cid: As D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera has gone, so go the Hoyas. DSR was a combined 8 for 20 in three games versus XU last season.
Attack the Boards: Georgetown is within three rebounds of last place in the league in rebounds, while Xavier is first. The Hoyas must control the boards to be in this game.
James Farr: The 6-10 senior can give Georgetown trouble inside. Can Jessie Govan be up to the challenge?
--hoyasaxa
The above quote from John Thompson III does not suggest a team with a lot of confidence heading into Tuesday's game at #5-ranked Xavier. Given the Hoyas' inattention to defense and a visible lack of urgency in games, it's a lot closer to reality than many fans would care to admit. Georgetown may be as little as two games away from being written out of the NCAA discussion, and if Georgetown wants to avoid a February dirge, the Hoyas have to step it up, while there is still time.
It's also a reflection that Xavier is a very good team. The Musketeers hold opponents a net 14 points under its average, have won 12 of its 16 games by 10 or more and none by less than eight. With a strong effort on rebounding and guards who can penetrate to pick up quick fouls, the Musketeers present many of the same problems that faced Georgetown in 2014-15, where Xavier swept the Hoyas in three games.
Xavier is well served by a guard oriented offense that can punish weaker teams in the frontcourt. First up: 6-2 Myles Davis, who is shooting under 40 percent from the field but who has missed ony three free throws all season--a 93% average that plays well to his inside drives, helping Xavier earn a +156 in total free throws over opponents, or an extra nine attempts per game. Davis and guard J.P. Macura were a combined 5 for 15 against Marquette (2-10 from three), but are expected to play better before the home crowd. Xavier should also see a strong effort from guard Remy Abell, a 50% three point shooter in Big East play, and 6-6 freshman Edmond Sumner, with 15 points and five rebounds against Marquette in his first game back from a concussion suffered against Villanova.
Forward Trevon Bluiett (15.3 ppg) and center Jalen Reynolds (9.6 ppg) lead the Musketeers up front. Bluiett has scored in double figures in all but one game, and had 18 points against Marquette despite a sub-par 5 for 13 effort from the field. Reynolds has fought off a recent run of foul trouble, and has received help from senior James Farr, who has enjoyed a Bradley Hayes-styled renaissance in his senior season. Farr, who averaged just 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in his first three seasons, now averages 10.3 points and just under nine rebounds a game, with a season high 16 points and 19 rebounds against Marquette.
Both schools have played a similar schedule to date in Big East play, each winning over DePaul, St. John's and Marquette and each losing to Villanova. Xavier, however, is on a four game win streak and has shown a more consistent ability to bring more of its players into scoring roles when starters have struggled. Six members of the Xavier team average 8.9 or more points, and five different players have led the team in scoring. Xavier is undefeated (16-0) when holding opponents under 50% shooting, including holding its last four Big East opponents under 40 percent. In its last four games, Georgetown is shooting at just 41 percent and has allowed opponents 19 more free throws over the course of the prior four games. Give Xavier 19 more free throws and this won't be close.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Fight or Flight: The 2015-16 Hoyas are seen as a soft team inside. Can Hayes and Govan stay out of foul trouble long enough to make an impact?
El Cid: As D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera has gone, so go the Hoyas. DSR was a combined 8 for 20 in three games versus XU last season.
Attack the Boards: Georgetown is within three rebounds of last place in the league in rebounds, while Xavier is first. The Hoyas must control the boards to be in this game.
James Farr: The 6-10 senior can give Georgetown trouble inside. Can Jessie Govan be up to the challenge?
--hoyasaxa
