On November 26, 2000, the Hoyas played in the Championship Game of the Hawaii Pacific University Thanksgiving Classic. After back-to-back wins over the University of Central Florida and the College of Charleston, the Hoyas faced Minnesota for the title. Georgetown won 76-60.

It was an excellent first half that sent the Hoyas on their way to victory. Junior Kevin Braswell scored 10 first half points and Freshman Gerald Riley had 7. Georgetown took control of the game just before halftime, closing the half with a 10-1 run that gave them a 19-point lead at the intermission. Georgetown’s defense was impressive, holding the Golden Gophers to 5 for 27 (19%) from the field in the first half.

In the second half, the outcome was never in doubt. Braswell led all scorers with 18 points and was named the tournament MVP. Riley and fellow freshman Mike Sweetney were both named to the all-tournament team.

This win jump started the season for the Hoyas as they went 16-0 en route to a Sweet 16 run in the tournament.