That Feeling Again? This was how many Hoya fans looked, or felt, after the final buzzer sounded on Tuesday night. Those at the Phone Booth aka Verizon Center dreaded the trip home after another winnable game lost. Those fans watching at home went to sleep with that “pit in the stomach” feeling of what is happening with our team. Losing hope in the “ProminentPlayScenario” for the remainder of the season, Hoya fans now root for the “LessProminentScenario” (see prior post).
Sweeps Week: Xavier sweeps Georgetown. Now Providence sweeps Georgetown. Staring down the final 7 games of the conference schedule, the Hoyas need to regroup at 15-7, 7-4 in the Big East. Looking on the bright side, the contest with Providence wasn’t as ugly as the first contest between these two longtime rivals. For the #24 ranked Hoyas–this week–that may be the only positive thing to say about their effort Tuesday night in D.C. With an opportunity to secure revenge and a home win at a critical juncture in the season and a rematch against Villanova looming on Saturday, instead the Hoyas suffer a setback at home and slipped to 4th in the Big East standings while Providence rose to 2nd. Only a victory in Philadelphia this weekend will keep the Hoyas in the national rankings next week. What may be even more important than the ranking itself is that the Hoyas regain their confidence and composure and learn to win close games.
Against the Friars This Season: On January 10th in Providence, as reported by LPP previously, “It was as Ugly as Ugly gets in the Big East. Bricks flying in all directions, missed layups, missed free throws, 15 Georgetown turnovers (to Providence’s 8) and 42 total fouls (23 Hoyas, 19 Friars).” This one may not have been as ugly and as the score indicates, the Hoyas found the hoop, but similar to the first game in Providence, there was “not one single statistic that can explain how the Hoyas let this one slip away.” Reasons abound for this loss including the inability to maintain and build upon a lead, difficulty with attacking a zone and inexplicably forcing passes inside (to Josh Smith primarily), when the frequent outcome was a turnover into the ready and willing hands of the Friars, missed free throws and costly errors, such as the errant inbound play under the basket with 11 seconds remaining and a chance to regain the lead on the Hoyas final possession from one freshman to another. (Shouldn’t there be at least one veteran player involved in that play?)
Not to sound a broken record, but it bears repeating here that with victories on the road in very short supply in the Big East, the Hoyas can’t afford to leave winnable games on the table–especially at home–if their goal is a happier ending at the end of the season, whatever that goal–a winning season in the Big East, a post-season berth or something greater.
Give some credit to the Friars, who should have lost this game but regained control from the Hoyas after Georgetown went 6 for 12 from the arc in the first half and led 41-38 at the break. The Hoyas had a double-digit lead midway through the second half. Rather than building upon that lead, the Hoyas ceded control to the Friars, who trailed 59-46 with just under 12 minutes to play, forward LaDontae Henton hit a 3-pointer that sparked the big run for Providence and the Hoyas were held without a field goal after Smith-Rivera’s 3-pointer with 7:41 left in the game.
The Friars were led by four in double figures including their stars Henton, who scored 16 points after held at bay by the Hoyas in the first but regained his touch when needed, injured guard (sore back) Kris Dunn, who scored 12 with 9 assists and 6 steals, and former Hoya recruit, Friar frosh forward Ben Bentil, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, including two free throws that made it 74-71. A final 3-point attempt by DSR rolled around the rim and out with two seconds remaining. Fifth-year senior forward Carson Desrosiers finished with 14 points on near perfect shooting. Providence used a 20-6 run to take a 66-65 lead. The lead changed hands four times in the final 1:51. Desrosiers’ two free throws put the Friars ahead 72-71 with 32 seconds left.
The defending Big East tournament champion Friars are now 17-6 overall and 7-3 in the Big East. At this rate, they could develop to be a favorite in this season’s Big East tournament along with the Villanova Wildcats. The Friars shot 58% in the second half, finishing at 53.5% (23 for 43) for the game. They also went 12 for 13 at the line in the second half. By comparison, the Hoyas shot 43% from field goal range, 40 from the arc and 68% from the line, committed 15 turnovers (to Providence’s 14). All other statistics, not surprisingly, were similar given the final score. Providence shot 72% from the stripe and made them when they counted to add to their strong offensive effort, or conversely, the Hoyas’ weak defensive effort.
Hoyas Woes Continue: The Hoyas’ problems continue, including a failure of strategy, and/or execution, when the game is on the line, or at that critical juncture when the play leads to a win–or a loss. Whether a lack of leadership, confidence, or sense of urgency, there is a missing ingredient that can’t be found soon enough.
Acknowledged by Coach JTIII, “We didn’t take care of the ball. We can’t go through stretches where we aren’t getting shots.” Coach noted Providence’s “good job of playing the passing lanes”, however, giving more credit than I would to the Friars’ defense, which at this point in the season, the Hoyas should have had a better shot at cracking the Friars D.
For the Hoyas, DSR finished with 21 points, which seem rather empty without adding one to the W column. Smith, freshmen Copeland and Tre Cambell, the latter who played very solid minutes, all finished with 10 points. Copeland, however, committed 4 turnovers and looked more like a true freshman than the second coming of someone special. Smith was by no means the dominant force the Hoyas need him to be at this point in the season and that is of concern. Shooting 50% at the free throw line when all of those shots count, fouling out again and committing 3 turnovers falls short of what the Hoyas need from Josh now. Starters Hopkins and Peak were relative non-factors in the offense. While “always a gamer” Trawick added spark and nine points and one of the few Hoyas to create opportunities, driving to the hoop when the team can’t seem to move the ball, Jabril too missed 3 critical free throws when he got to the line.
Aaron Bowen, Where Art Thou? Experienced senior forward Aaron Bowen saw a paltry 10 minutes off the bench in a game that he could have impacted, in my opinion. Bowen badly missed a 3 but made both of his free throws, something that should be taken into account when minutes are doled out by the coaching staff at this point in the season. Bowen can get to the hoop and get fouled and if he makes his free throws, he’s doing better than most, other than “fine at the line” DSR, shooting in the 80% range.
Give Hayes a Chance? If the Hoyas have any chance of going deep this season, in conference and/or beyond, they are going to need another Big Man option. For all of his talent, Smith is not where we want him to be and Hopkins, while a tremendous defensive player, is inconsistent as a scorer. I’d like to see Hayes given a chance to prove what he has, or doesn’t–how does it hurt to work him in minutes when your starting center fouls out every other game?
Game of Sweeps: Interestingly, the two teams that have swept Georgetown face each other when Providence visits Xavier on Saturday.
Philly, Here We Come!: The Hoyas have many reasons to want or need to win in Philly.
1. To erase the bad taste from the loss to the Friars
2. To sweep the Top 10 Wildcats
3. To put on a show for Jabril’s friends and family or even
4. To honor the hometown of our own Hoya alum and Hollywood A list-er, Bradley Cooper.
5. To get some Philly cheesesteaks at Geno’s or Pat’s after a win? 🙂
No better reason to win in Philly, however, is to get another win. Pronto.
What about Paul White in the rotation? He is a zone buster and sharp on defense. Creates offense with excellent outlet pass to Peak for and-one lay-up. Mystified about minutes!
RealDeal, I agree that Paul White, in addition to Aaron Bowen, should get more minutes. White is such a pure shooter and moves so well without the ball, and does other smart things on the court. He will only develop his game in conference play and I vote for more minutes for White and Bowen. I’d also like to see Hayes weave in and out to see what he can accomplish. Thanks for your input and look forward to hearing more from you!
JT3 is in every practice.
Those who show an ability to execute in practice get an opportunity in the game. (REGARDLESS OF ACADEMIC CLASS)
If you don’t see (or for that matter see) someone in the game it is not by the flip of a coin.
Coach is making an informed decision, so you can write your opinions…everybody has one…..However…..
LET JT3 COACH HIS TEAM (LET ME REPEAT: ….HIS TEAM)
Of course this is Coach’s team. No one denies that. Still, every commentator and analyst can have an opinion, correct? Coaches aren’t infallible, no matter how great they are. Fans watch with great interest, as do commentators and analysts. I believe it’s healthy to call ’em as you see ’em. No one denies who the decision maker is. I think every Coach who is honest admits to mistakes at one time or another. Whatever Coach’s reasons are for playing whom he plays, I respect that. I still believe fans, those who support and are devoted to the team, and who spend good money for tickets and to support their beloved team, are entitled to differing opinions as to who the best players are, who should play more or less. It’s a friendly discussion here.