Game 15: Creighton University (12-3)
Jan. 6, 12:00 pm (EST)
Washington, DC
Capital One Arena (20,500)
Tickets? Yes
Media:
TV: Fox Sports Regional Networks
GU Radio: WDCH-99.1
CU Radio: KOZN-1620
Game Notes: Georgetown
Game Notes: Creighton
About the Bluejays:
Location: Omaha, NE
Enrollment: 4,163
Conference: Big East
2016-17 Record: 25-10
Record vs. Georgetown: 4-6
Meet The Coach:
Greg McDermott
(Northern Iowa '88)
5th season, 176-85
Career: 456-282
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Expected Starters |
Name |
Ht. |
Pts. |
Davion Mintz |
6-3 |
5.4 |
Marcus Foster |
6-3 |
19.4 |
Khyri Thomas |
6-3 |
14.9 |
Martin Krampelj |
6-9 |
12.7 |
Toby Hegner |
6-10 |
8.6 |
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Team Stats: |
Points/Game: |
90.2 |
Points Allowed: |
72.3 |
FG Shooting: |
51.5 |
FG Defense |
41.7 |
3FG Shooting: |
38.3 |
FT Shooting: |
73.9 |
Rebounds/Game |
40.3 |
Assists/Game |
19.6 |
Turnovers/Game |
11.3 |
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Last 5 Games (4-1) |
12/18: CU 90, TX-Arlington 81
12/20: CU 116, USC Upstate 62
12/28: Seton Hall 90, CU 84
12/31: CU 83, PC 64
01/03: CU 78, St. John's 71
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Preview
With some recent momentum behind them, the Georgetown Hoyas return to Capital One Arena as the Big East schedule ratchets up once again, this time, a matchup with Creighton.
Much like the previous three opponents Georgetown has faced in Big East play, the Bluejays feature a pair of high scoring guards which will test the Hoyas' perimeter defense, but with a defensive intensity lacking among teams such as Marquette and DePaul. It's a game both teams need to win as they progress in the schedule, and a test for Creighton to show toughness on the road, where they have been less effective than within the friendly confines of CenturyLink Arena.
That toughness needs to start with defending Marcus Foster, whose career high 35 points against Georgetown last February summed up the growing futility of the 2016-17 Hoyas to defend elite players last season. Foster, a first team all-Big East selection, has scored in double figures each game this season and is coming off a 25 point effort against St. John's on Wednesday night. Foster is a solid guard, an able ballhandler, and not just a scorer. His ability to play off screens and get Jonathan Mulmore out of position will be areas for Hoyas fans to watch.
Creighton will also look for points from its three guard rotation featuring Davion Mintz and Khyri Thomas. The two combined for just 12 points in the last meeting between the teams, but each has picked up the pace in 2017-18. Mintz saw limited action in the St. John's game but has averaged 11 points per game in his two prior Big East games, and had six assists to one turnover in CU's two games to date with Providence and Seton Hall. Thomas is a consistent scorer who can get the Bluejays anywhere from 10 to 16 points a game depending on his shooting touch, which has lagged so far in conference play (4 for 16). Three of those four threes were scored most recently against St. John's, so a hot hand from Thomas could be problematic for the Hoyas, especially for its second team defense, which lacks the depth to guard both Foster and Thomas effectively.
Creighton's front line were not factors in the last meeting between the schools, as Justin Patton (now with the Minnesota Timberwolves) gave the Hoyas problems all around. The Jays are getting good results from redshirt sophomore Martin Krampelj, who ranks in the top 15 nationally in field goal percentage and is fourth in the Big East in rebounds per game. Fifth year senior Toby Hegner will provide size and minutes in limiting Govan, but figures not to be a factor on offense.
If any Creighton player has a breakout game, watch for 6-7 Ronnie Harrell Jr. Inconsistent on offense, Harrell is developing into a stronger defensive asset for coach Greg McDermott, and provides support off the bench that may be crucial in the second half.
What did Georgetown learn from its win versus DePaul? First, how to win, and second, who to win with. Jessie Govan and Marcus Derrickson need to take over the stat sheet for the Hoyas to move up the ladder, and this provides opportunity as well as risk. Neither has been seriously saddled with foul trouble to date, and Georgetown remains thin up front. Each averages over 30 minutes per game and each must be on the floor for at least this long Saturday.
The Hoyas must get more consistent results from guard play. While Jonathan Mulmore is on the court for defense, his offense is not a threat to opponents, and needs to get some shots if only to keep defenders honest. Kaleb Johnson would be wise to do the same. Georgetown was fortunate that DePaul got no bench support in the stat sheet, contributing just four points all evening. By contrast, the Creighton bench averages 14 points a game in conference play to date.
Put another way, Creighton is no DePaul, and Georgetown needs to step up its game as a result.
Keys to the game:
1. Kaleb Johnson: John's guard defense proved pivotal in the win over DePaul. The Creighton backcourt is more of a threat, and Johnson must adjsut his efforts accordingly.
2. Ronnie Harrell: Harrell has averaged eight rebounds a game over the past three Big East games, with just three turnovers. Will he be able to exert the defense to limit Marcus Derrickson inside, or outside?
3. Turnovers: Fewer turnovers were the measure of GU's win at DePaul. Do the Hoyas return to old habits, or protect the ball?