Teams

Georgetown:
The Hoyas have struggled to put together a 40 minute performance this season. Since the victory over Duke, the Hoyas have had only one satisfying performance start-to-finish in a big win over then-#2 Villanova. But even in Georgetown’s wins over Louisville and Providence, there were stretches when the team looked lethargic.

I will give Georgetown credit for this: they do not quit. Even in games when they are down big, they try to rally for a comeback. But, I would like to see that type of focus and intensity for the whole game, instead of only after falling into a huge hole.

West Virginia:
The Mountaineers played a very strong first half, as their high-pressure defense flustered the Hoyas and they turned Georgetown turnovers into easy points. After taking a 27 point lead, they went into cruise control mode, and they did not have a very good second half. But, they were never really threatened, and they came up with important stops and big baskets when needed.

That being said, I would not be afraid to play this team again with a healthy Austin Freeman. Offensively they are very streaky, and with one more ball handler and three-point shooter on the floor, I like Georgetown’s chances in a rematch.

Players

Georgetown:
Greg Monroe did his best to assert himself in the absence of Austin Freeman, scoring a team-high 22 points, and he was seemingly the only Hoya scoring in the first half.

A bright spot in an otherwise dreary performance was Vee Sanford. He hit two threes and looked comfortable on the floor. It didn’t make much impact in this game, but going forward, if he can come in and contribute a few positive minutes, that could be a big help.

West Virginia:
Da’Sean Butler had an ideal senior night, scoring 22 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out six assists in a resounding victory. His hopes of being Player of the Year in the Big East are in all likelihood gone, but he should certainly be first team all-Big East, and he showed why in this one.

Number of the Game

20: Turnovers for the Hoyas. Georgetown has a great defense, but too often they let their opponents off the hook. Against Notre Dame, the Hoyas gave up 12 offensive rebounds, meaning after a great 30 seconds of defense, the Hoyas would give the Irish an easy put-back or at least a second-chance to get a score. Against West Virginia, it was turnovers that did Georgetown in, as their miscues led to 24 points off turnovers, which is way too many, especially when missing your leading scorer.