Preview
The twenty-fifth meeting between Georgetown and LaSalle is the first since 1980, and only the second since 1965, when the two schools were regular opponents each year.
From a 9-22 season in 2015-16, 13th year coach John Giannini went all-in on transfers to turn around the Explorers, with three starters and five overall with major college experience. Together, the five account for nearly 50 points per game.
A three guard lineup will open some opportunities for 6-5 Auburn transfer Jordan Price, averaging a team high 17 points a game. Jordan had nine points, six rebounds, and six assists in a game with Villanova where the Explorers were within six with one minute remaining. Price should also see support from former Georgia Southern transfer Cleon Roberts, averaging 60 percent from three point range (15 for 25) and 49 percent overall. Roberts is 0 for 4 in his last two games, however, and LaSalle has counted upon a big effort from 6-0 Pookie Powell off the bench. A transfer from memphis, Powell's 27 against Villanova was a season high, but he is a streaky shooter with a poor three point shooting effort to date (28 percent)
The Explorers are led inside from Syracuse transfer B.J. Johnson. A steadying force inside, the 6-7 Johnson has averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds over his last three games. LaSalle is not as strong inside, where 6-10 junior Tony Washington is coming off a season high 10 points versus Villanova, but is susceptible to foul trouble.
Lasalle's efforts against the likes of Villanova and temple come in the competitive fervor and spirit that remains the Big Five. Saturday is its first road trip outside Philadelphia and its first on an NBA arena floor since the 2016 A-10 tournament at Barclays Center. LaSalle was 1-12 last season on the road and it bears watching if it can maintain its composure in different surroundings and against a more confident Georgetown team had it faced the Hoyas even a a week earlier. Georgetown's systemic problems continue to be an issue, but the Explorers' defense may not be able to make the adjustments necessary to keep Rodney Pryor and L.J. Peak in check.
Keys To The Game:
Rebounds: Georgetown owns an edge inside on rebounds and can force the tempo with a better rebounding effort inside.
Free Throws: laSalle is undefeated when getting to the line more than its opponent, winless when it does not.
Bradley Hayes: To date, Hayes hasn't been a factor given the style of opponent but if Georgetown can maneuver him inside, it may be a big advantage into controlling the paint and limiting LaSalle's up-tempo approach.
--hoyasaxa
The twenty-fifth meeting between Georgetown and LaSalle is the first since 1980, and only the second since 1965, when the two schools were regular opponents each year.
From a 9-22 season in 2015-16, 13th year coach John Giannini went all-in on transfers to turn around the Explorers, with three starters and five overall with major college experience. Together, the five account for nearly 50 points per game.
A three guard lineup will open some opportunities for 6-5 Auburn transfer Jordan Price, averaging a team high 17 points a game. Jordan had nine points, six rebounds, and six assists in a game with Villanova where the Explorers were within six with one minute remaining. Price should also see support from former Georgia Southern transfer Cleon Roberts, averaging 60 percent from three point range (15 for 25) and 49 percent overall. Roberts is 0 for 4 in his last two games, however, and LaSalle has counted upon a big effort from 6-0 Pookie Powell off the bench. A transfer from memphis, Powell's 27 against Villanova was a season high, but he is a streaky shooter with a poor three point shooting effort to date (28 percent)
The Explorers are led inside from Syracuse transfer B.J. Johnson. A steadying force inside, the 6-7 Johnson has averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds over his last three games. LaSalle is not as strong inside, where 6-10 junior Tony Washington is coming off a season high 10 points versus Villanova, but is susceptible to foul trouble.
Lasalle's efforts against the likes of Villanova and temple come in the competitive fervor and spirit that remains the Big Five. Saturday is its first road trip outside Philadelphia and its first on an NBA arena floor since the 2016 A-10 tournament at Barclays Center. LaSalle was 1-12 last season on the road and it bears watching if it can maintain its composure in different surroundings and against a more confident Georgetown team had it faced the Hoyas even a a week earlier. Georgetown's systemic problems continue to be an issue, but the Explorers' defense may not be able to make the adjustments necessary to keep Rodney Pryor and L.J. Peak in check.
Keys To The Game:
Rebounds: Georgetown owns an edge inside on rebounds and can force the tempo with a better rebounding effort inside.
Free Throws: laSalle is undefeated when getting to the line more than its opponent, winless when it does not.
Bradley Hayes: To date, Hayes hasn't been a factor given the style of opponent but if Georgetown can maneuver him inside, it may be a big advantage into controlling the paint and limiting LaSalle's up-tempo approach.
--hoyasaxa
