SECOND-HALF HOYAS: Georgetown Guts Green Bay

Your Georgetown Hoyas played at Cap One Arena today against Green Bay, tipping off at the ungodly hour of 11 am (This is TOO early for a basketball game). Why? Look at the game cast of the first 5-8 minutes of this game and you’ll see ugly offense on both sides with a number of turnovers.

It is clear the Hoyas have their work cut out for them when it comes to chemistry, considering the lineup is made up of transfers and younger players. This team very much plays like they are still learning to play together. Georgetown had 10 turnovers in the first half alone, and while the chemistry issues are to be expected, conference play is right around the corner.

The Hoyas did start to get it going midway through the first half, going on a 15-2 run over six minutes. We also got to see Jordan Riley (11 PTS, 6 REB, 1 STL) minutes in the first half and fans were immediately rewarded with made three-pointer. This was a great shot by Jordan, open, and stepped into it with good-looking form. I have said it to a couple of people so far this year, but I am excited to see a healthy Jordan play this year, I believe he will have a good season.

Qudus Wahab (18 PTS, 7 REB, 4 ORB) had a mostly good first half where he capitalized on his size to grab rebounds and added a number of put-back buckets, it was like watching him dominate in the BET. We will wait and see if Wahab finds that magic and goes back to a double-double machine in conference play.

Despite a 7-point lead with a minute to go in the first half, Georgetown found themselves up only 2 at the break after a Green Bay layup, followed by an Akok turnover, which led to a three for Green Bay putting the halftime score at 31-29.

Not sure what the staff told them at halftime, but the team came out MUCH more focused to start the second half. A 12-2 run in the first three minutes came thanks to buckets from Q, Brandon Murray (19 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST) and a pair of jumpers by Spears. The run helped energize the bench and fans in attendance and forced Green Bay to a timeout.

A Georgetown full-court press out of the time out forced a Green Bay turnover and a Brandon Murray three. This run to start the second half was a great reminder for the potential that this team has—the pieces are there if they can put it all together.

Now, while the hot start in the second half was encouraging, the defense still allowed a number of open looks and opportunities, which, against higher quality opponents, will likely be much more costly. 13-15 to start the second half.

The second half was all Hoyas, as they proved themselves to be the better, more talented squad.

Similar to the first game on Tuesday night, Primo Spears (21 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST) found his game in the second half, and went on an offensive explosion. In the first ten minutes of the second half Primo had 12 points, Wayne Bristol Jr (9 PTS, 3-3 3PT, 3 REB, 2 AST) knocked down a pair of threes and the next thing we knew, the Hoyas were up 20+ (64-41). Bristol is a bit of a mystery, having sat out last season, but if the former MEAC freshman of the year can hold his own on defense, rebound a bit better, and knock down those outside shots, that will be an enormous boost for this bench.

The Hoyas continued to control the end of the second half Saturday, providing valuable minutes to a number of bench players, including freshman Denver Anglin who made his first shot with about three minutes left in the second half, (Congrats Denver!), freshman D’Ante Bass who got his first bucket with a strong take to the rim (Congrats D’Ante!) and fan-favorite Victor Muresean!

With a 30+ point lead closing out the second half, it felt good to see this squad not take their foot off of the gas pedal.

Reappearance of a slow start is concerning, as well as the first half turnovers, but it the second half improvements were satisfying. There is still plenty to work on before we hit conference play, but let’s enjoy a good win thanks to a full team effort.

Additionally, I would like to applaud the fans in attendance for showing up again like they did on Tuesday night. Saturday at 11 am is not an easy time to get to the game, but thank you for all your energy and support!

Georgetown hosts Northwestern on Tuesday as part of the Gavitt Games (6:30PM, FS1).

HOYA SAXA!