| Georgetown Hoyas | Temple Owls | ||||
 | vs. |
| |||
| #9/10 (8-0, 0-0); RPI: 1 | NR (5-2, 0-0); RPI: 60 | ||||
| Date: | December 9, 2010 | Location: | Philadelphia, PA |
| Time: | 9:00 p.m. ET | Arena: | Liacouras Center |
| TV: | ESPN | Spread: | Georgetown -1.5 |
| Radio: | ESPN980 | Over/Under: | 125 |
| Online: | ESPN3 | SBN Affiliate: | n/a |
| Game Watch: Iron Horse - 507 7th St. NW | |||
(Perspectives After The Jump)
View from the Student Section - A Perspective from Campus:
The turnout to the game on Saturday was pretty good, though I think it was pretty obvious students were taking a lackluster approach to Utah State. I am not sure if it is because we didn’t think Utah State was good, or if it was because the students are getting apathetic, but outside of the first two rows of my section, nobody was getting loud. I don’t think students understand that the way to make Verizon a fearsome place for opponents to play is to create the fear. That is how a true home-court advantage is attained. The familiar locker-room, the short trip to the arena, and the occasional home-cooking help, but the electricity of the student-body is what sparks the players. I don’t think that students should only focus on Syracuse and Duke to put some effort in, because showing up to the game is only half the battle. I apologize for the rant; it was just very frustrating to see most of my peers look so lifeless at this past game.
The Owls will not be an easy test tonight, but I am putting my faith in Freeman and the rest of the Hoyas (I know it is Wright’s team, but I will never be able to get over the casual swagger that is Austin’s disposition). The unfortunate thing about the 9pm tipoff is that I may be thrown out of Tombs by some large bouncers at 10pm when my fake ID gets rejected…if only the government would let me consume my ethyl alcohol in peace. A win would provide the perfect end to a semester of classes, before the smack down I take over the coming week and a half. Hopefully this will be the result. Hoya Saxa!
View from the Court Side Seats - A Perspective from OldHoya:
OldHoya doesn't know if this is a good or a bad omen but playing Temple hours after the end of Hannukah? Quite the coincidence. Regardless, OldHoya offers a rousing 'Shalom' and wishes his Tribal brethren a Happy Hannukah.
And on to more pressing matters. It was only a year ago that OldHoya watched Georgetown eek out a win against Temple as Greg Monroe displayed a flash of aggression that led him to be a lottery pick. That was an ugly game with an odd start time, dictated by ESPN's 24 hours of hoops and it presented a defensive battle with both teams shooting a horrifically low percentage. Georgetown has a different team this year, however, and with the frontcourt emerging to complement the already strong backcourt, this should be an excellent game.
OldHoya makes no bones about his disdain for Philadelphia and establishing Hoya dominance over the Big 5 would be a great way to ease into the holidays.
View from the Enemy- A Perspective from our Sleeping With The Enemy Interview:
If the Temple from the Old Spice Classic shows up, this one's not even a game. The Owls last year didn't play to their best ability in a home game against Kansas, and were blown out by over 30 points. If we don't show up to play our best basketball, the home court advantage is irrelevant. If we play smart basketball, force turnovers, and hit baskets, I think this one goes down to the wire. We could see a similar ending to last year's matchup, but hopefully with a different outcome!
I'll say that we show up for tomorrow's game, and make it interesting. For the first time I think that I might pick against the Owls. I can't really believe that I have the courage to do this, regardless of our opponent. I'll say that you guys win this one 75-70.
View from the Sportsbook (via DonBest) - A Perspective from Vegas:
The Line: Georgetown -1.5. Over/under 125.
Last season's home opener against the Owls was one of the more disgusting games ever (Hoyas had 16 turnovers and 15 field goals) and the Hoyas escaped with a win by the shocking score of 46-45. That's not a typo. Temple always plays that physical, plodding style that makes it difficult for a team that is favored by a substantial amount of points to actually cover. In last season's game the Owls were 9 point road dogs and easily covered. Here, however, the Hoyas are only 1.5 point favorites, so if you're asking me "Hey Casual, can the undefeated nationally ranked powerhouse Georgetown Hoyas beat Temple by a bucket tonight?" I say "Yes."
The pick is Georgetown -1.5. Final score Georgetown 68 - Temple 61.Casual Hoya is 8-0 ATS. Last season: 22-8 ATS.
www.CasualHoya.com: Where Your Money Stays And Plays.