LINKS: Mourning Cleans Up on Campbell, Clemons Scores 45

Trey Mourning’s 27 points helped the 5-1 Georgetown Hoyas get over the hump of an astounding 45-point performance from Chris Clemons of the Campbell Fighting Camels. With the Camels focused on containing Jessie Govan and James Akinjo, Mourning’s 7 offensive rebounds and his 10 for 13 free throws were vital in keeping a steady scoring pace and allowing the Hoyas to try some different lineups down the stretch.

A somber crowd at the Capital One Arena came to life in the game’s final minutes to actually cheer on the 5-9 phenom’s quest for 50 points. Despite the vast majority in attendance wearing blue or gray (and clutching a Jack the Bulldog bobble head), the crowd was never really worried about the Camels’ comeback, but was certainly in awe of Clemons’ range and agility.

Here are the links:

Georgetown basketball holds off Chris Clemons and Campbell with Trey Mourning’s breakout | WASHINGTONPOST

“Last year he sat and watched because he was hurt,” Ewing said. “This year he’s able to come out and play and do the things that he saw.” Mourning said he spent his season on the bench learning where he could help the team most, where he fit in the best. Both Ewing and his assistant coaches have said that Mourning returned this season as one of the team’s vocal leaders.

“I stayed in his ear as much as I could to try to encourage him and lift his spirits and everything,” Alonzo Mourning said. “. . . Today is reminiscent of all the hard work he’s put in. It’s kind of falling into place for him. He’s slowly gaining his confidence and realizing what he’s capable of doing. I’m proud of him. I’m very happy for him.”

Mourning’s 27 lead Georgetown past Campbell | REUTERS

James Akinjo supplied 17 points and four assists, Jessie Govan had 13 points and Josh LeBlanc contributed 11 for Georgetown (5-1).

Clemons, a senior guard who entered the game as the nation’s top scorer at 31.6 points per game, poured in 45 points for Campbell (3-3). Clemons shot 16-of-28 from the field and made nine 3-pointers. He added eight rebounds and three assists...

Georgetown shot 49.3 percent from the field but Campbell nearly matched the Hoyas at 48.5 percent. Georgetown controlled the boards, 41-32, and made 14 more free throws (20-6).

Mourning Leads Men’s Basketball to Close Victory over Campbell | GEORGETOWNVOICE

The Hoyas carried their momentum into the beginning of the second half. Mourning connected from three-point range and Akinjo continued his hot shooting with a 3-pointer of his own. A Govan bucket gave the Hoyas a 17-point lead, 55-38. Georgetown continued to pour it on, as sophomore guard Jahvon Blair threw a no-look pass to LeBlanc, who finished under the bucket for an easy layup.

Eventually, the Hoyas opened up a 22-point lead, 81-59. Campbell fought back once more behind senior guard Chris Clemons, who connected on three consecutive 3-pointers to push the Camels within 13 with 5:05 to play in regulation.

Saturday’s college basketball roundup: ... Alonzo Mourning’s son sparks Georgetown past Campbell | DAILYPRESS

Trey Mourning’s career highs of 27 points and 12 rebounds sparked the Hoyas past the Camels in Washington, though Campbell star Chris Clemons — the nation’s top scorer so far this season — poured in 45 points, tying his season high...

Georgetown (5-1) led all the way but saw a 22-point lead nearly evaporate in the final six minutes of the game. Clemons scored 27 points in the second half, when he hit five of his nine 3-pointers and the Camels (3-3) came as close as 89-83 with 12 seconds left...

Mourning, the son of Chesapeake native, former Hoyas great and Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, enjoyed his big day as his dad was in the stands.

Georgetown Outlasts Campbell in Shootout | BIGEASTCOASTBIAS

The Hoyas maintained a steady double-digit lead for the first 17 minutes of second half, but they were unable to pull away due to Clemons’s offensive onslaught. He scored 27 points in the half, including 18 in the final 10:08 of regulation. Though the Hoyas were nursing a large lead, they often rushed into three-point shots down the stretch as Campbell employed fullcourt pressure. Georgetown shot just 2-for-12 from deep in the second half, but Mourning provided a steady offensive presence, scoring 14 points in the half. The Blue & Gray stifled any would-be comeback effort from the Camels by hitting 12-of-14 free throws in the second half.

Campbell’s highlights:

Akok Akok withdraws from Putnam Science, will enroll in college in January | ZAGSBLOG

“I would like to thank Putnam Science Academy’s teachers, coaches, students and especially my teammates for all they have done for me,” he added. “I will be focusing on the SAT in the immediate future and will then address basketball to determine what college is the best fit for me.” Because he is one year removed from his graduating class, the 6-foot-10 Akok is eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft, but now appears set on enrolling in college in January.

Akok lists UConn, Georgetown, Providence, Pittsburgh and Syracuse as his final five schools. UConn coach Dan Hurley and his staff have been heavily pursuing Akok and would love to add a big man to their roster.

“I’m just weighing out the options,” Akok told reporters last week at the National Prep Showcase. “I feel I can picture myself going to UConn,” Akok added. “It’s a great school, it would be a great situation where I could stay at home and contribute.”

See this recruiting update for more...