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Xavier's 70-53 win over Georgetown on Dec. 31 was its most convincing Big East win of the season, and Georgetown's most covincing loss. The two teams arrive at verizon Center Tuesday under much different circumstances, however.
Undefeated at home, Xavier is 0-4 on the road in Big East play and just 2-7 overall outside Cintas Center. The Musketeers have suffered through slow starts on the road that has put it out of contention. Georgetown has won 10- of 11 at home and four straight. But this is a different team as well, and Tuesday's lineup may reflect it.
As many as two Georgetown starters may be out of action for significant parts of the game if injuries suffered in Saturday's win over Marquette continue their recovery. L.J. peak and Jabril Trawick were sidelined for much of the game, while Aaron Bowen was dinged up as well. With the improved play of freshmen off the bench, Georgetown figures to play some different sets
against Xavier than what was seen on New Year's Eve.
Xavier ranks first among Big East teams in field goal percentage, but needs a big game from its backcourt. Starting point guard Dee Davis (9.3 ppg) is a capable three point shooter but has been wholly inconsistent in Big East play (18 percent), where Myles Davis' 42 percent outside shooting has elevated him into the starting lineup, paying off with 25 points in Xavier's win over DePaul. Along with 6-4 Remy Abell (9.2 ppg, 41.1% from three), the backcourt must generate the outside shooting that will allow a talented front line to convert inside. On the road, that's not been the case.
Up front, center Matt Stainbrook battled Josh Smith to a draw, but forwards Jalen Reynolds and James Farr had season-best game, combining for 26 points and 14 rebounds. Reynolds had 14 points in the loss to providence but was held to two points in 10 minutes versus DePaul. Add in freshman Trevon Bluett, with 21 versus dePaul, and the Musketeers have six good scoring options. Defensively, however, the X-men are struggling on the road, and that's where Georgetown needs to take advantage.
The development of freshman Isaac Copeland and Tre Campbell as scoring options has lessened The hoyas' reliance on D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera to carry the team in the scoring column. A full nine man rotation may be needed if Peak or Trawick is limited in the game, but if Georgetown can get an early start, it may force Xavier to rely more on outside shooting where it ranks near the bottom in the conference.
Some other keys to the game:
- Three Point Shooting: A 2-13 effort summed up the hoyas' offensive futility in the Dec. 31 game in Cincinnati. Expect that to change at home.
- Second Half Turnovers: Georgetown has significantly improved its numbers on second half turnovers.
- 22 Minutes: That's the average number of minutes for senior center Josh Smith. he'll need that many minutes, or more, to be an effective force for the Hoyas in this one.
Momentum favors the Hoyas in this one, as Georgetown's offense is significantly improved from what it put on the court on New Year's Eve. Xavier is capable of beating anyone, but the last 85 minutes of action, roughly from the last 12 seconds of the Butler game through the overtime at Marquette has given Georgetown a roll that it wants to ride right into February. The lineup may look different, but the results should not.
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