The script has flipped for Georgetown. After a 12-2 begin, with wins of their first three Massive East video games, the Hoyas have misplaced 4 straight and are saddled with damage considerations.
Their prime scorer and rebounder, Thomas Sorber, has a sore elbow and their greatest long-range risk, Jayden Epps, has been hobbled by ankle and hamstring points.
It is quite a bit for Georgetown (12-6, 3-4 Massive East) to beat because it prepares for a tricky take a look at Monday night at Villanova (12-7, 5-3).
The Hoyas are reeling after falling Friday at dwelling to lowly DePaul, 73-68. The win snapped the Blue Demons’ 39-game regular-season convention dropping streak.
With out Sorber and Epps within the lineup, Georgetown trailed by 17 factors within the first half and 16 after intermission.
“Our accidents are actually catching as much as us right here,” Hoyas coach Ed Cooley stated. “There is not any excuses. We did not begin enjoying till the 30-minute mark.”
Over the past 4 weeks, Epps has missed three video games and been ineffective in restricted minutes in three others.
Since Epps was initially damage, Georgetown has had robust performances, reminiscent of a win over Xavier and aggressive defeats towards then-No. 7 Marquette and then-No. 9 UConn.
However compensating for the lack of Epps and Sorber, who averages 14.2 factors, 8.6 rebounds and a pair of.5 blocks per sport, was too massive an ask for the Hoyas on Friday.
Till they return, Georgetown must rely closely on Malik Mack (13.9 factors, 4.8 assists) and Micah Peavy (13.3 factors, 5.4 rebounds).
Villanova’s season peaked on Jan. 8 with a victory over then-No. 9 UConn. Since then, the Wildcats have fallen on the street to St. John’s and Xavier earlier than squeezing previous Windfall at dwelling on Friday, 75-73.
When requested what the distinction was for Villanova on Friday night time, coach Kyle Neptune shook his head.
“To be sincere, within the Massive East, whenever you’re enjoying at this stage, it is one or two performs,” he stated.
Getting into Sunday, the Wildcats ranked No. 9 within the nation in adjusted offensive effectivity per KenPom.com, led by the highest scorer in Division I, Eric Dixon (24.7 factors).
Wooga Poplar (14.5 factors, 6.8 rebounds) is one in all 5 Wildcats who’ve hit no less than 24 3-pointers this season. Villanova leads the Massive East with 40.3 % marksmanship from lengthy vary.
–Area Degree Media