Game 8: University of Kansas
Nov. 10, 7:00 pm (EDT), Verizon Center
Tickets? Yes
TV: Fox Sports 1
GU Radio: WTNT-570
KU Radio: KLWN-1320

About the Jayhawks:
Location: Lawrence, KS
Enrollment: 28,718
Conference: Big 12
2013-14 Record: 25-10
Record vs. Georgetown: 2-1
1986-87: GU 70, KU 57 (NCAA, Louisville, KY)
2011-12: KU 67, GU 63 (Lahaina, HI)
2013-14: at KU 86, GU 64
 

Morgan State. Howard. Longwood.

These are the familiar and no so familiar names of recent opponents played on December 10, a time in the schedule when books take precedent over baskets, and less competitive games follow in consequence. But with the paucity of available dates at Verizon Center, Wednesday's game with #10 Kansas is an important, if untimely, test for the exam-bound Hoyas.

The Jayhawks arrive at Verizon Center having won five straight, including a 15 point halftime comeback against Florida, 71-65. Kansas features four underclassmen in the starting lineup, but three are among the national top 50 for the Naismith Award. It's a team that is effective in the half court game and dangerous at the free throw line--Kansas averages over 20 points a game just from the line.

Kansas enters the game with a young but solid backcourt. Sophomore Frank Mason III has doubled his scoring pace from 2013-14, shooting 41 percent from two point range and an even 50 percent from three, with a strong assist to turnover ratio. Wayne Selden, Jr. is a legitimate scoring threat but has been inconsistent all year--an 0-10 effort against Michigan State was followed by a 9-15 effort versus Florida. In last season's game, guard play was essential to Kansas controlling tempo and Georgetown's defensive sets against the guards should be something to watch.

As to last season's game between the teams, the game was won inside for the Jayhawks, with big games inside from the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Tarik Black and Joel Embiid. All three are now in the NBA, leaving Bill Self with a number of newer options that are still a work in progress. 6-8 Sviatoslav Mykhailuk is only 17 years and his arrival has been a rocky one, though his time on the court has grown in recent games. 6-8 freshman Cliff Alexander and 6-10 sophomore Landon Lucas will see time inside, with Alexander's 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench a bright spot for the younger Kansas frontline. 6-8 junior Perry Ellis is the veteran on the 2014-15 team, leading the team in scoring despite a nonexistent outside shot (.182 from three) but a strong rebounder inside and capable of keeping Georgetown's inside game from establishing itself early.

Georgetown coasted to an easy win over Towson thanks to an abnormally bad shooting effort from the Tigers but tonight's game figures to be a much different game where inside play dominates for both sides. While the Hoyas have experience inside, its execution has been inconsistent and the Jayhawks will look to getting Josh Smith in foul trouble to neutralize Georgetown's size up front. Smith needs at least 24 minutes of action in this game for Georgetown to control the boards and avoid a parade to the foul line which Kansas has exploited throughout this season. It's also an opportunity for Georgetown to get more consistent numbers from swing men jabril Trawick and L.J. Peak, who have faded in second half play this season. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera can't do it alone, and Georgetown needs better conversion from these guards, particularly when Kansas employs a zone defense.

Some other keys to the game:

• Points Per Possession: The Princeton offense seems to be getting a bad name in some circles, but a slower tempo may favor the Hoyas if it establishes strength inside.
• Rebounds: The ability to out rebound opponents has stood Kansas well this season, and may be the best rebounding opponent GU will face heading into Big East play. Georgetown's rebounding numbers remain under performing to date given its size and experience up front and have less offensive rebounds than opponents (-6)
• Fouls: Fouls killed the Hoyas last year and Georgetown can't afford a repeat performance.
• Isaac Copeland: This may be an opportunity for Copeland to make his mark at a position where Kansas has some inconsistency.

For Kansas, it's another tough opponent for a young team that has earned its Top 10 ranking. If Georgetown is to make any noise in the national polls before mid-season, this is an opportunity to do it. A 5-3 record all but consigns Georgetown to an "ARV" (also receiving votes) designation in the AP poll for a while, and it is not certain that the glut of good but not great Big East teams right now will elevate anyone outside Villanova to the national rankings. Learning from last year's mistakes and taking full advantage of Kansas' inexperience appear to be keys to a Georgetown victory, but it will not come easy.