Georgetown came up with a difficult victory on Wednesday in enemy territory against Alabama. Technically the game was played in a neutral site, but as the game was only about 60 miles from Alabama’s campus, it was basically a road game for the Hoyas. The Pizza Hut Big East/SEC Invitational was a great early test for the Hoyas, forcing the team to play under pressure in a hostile environment. Georgetown made key plays at both ends of the floor in the final moments to secure the win, but the win might have been secured a little earlier with better execution from the Hoyas.

The Alabama game was a very closely contested game. Neither team led by more than five until the final two minutes. Georgetown was clearly a better team, but they kept allowing the Crimson Tide to hang around. The inability to deliver the knockout punch has made the last two games for the Hoyas a little closer than needed, and giving opponents multiple chances for survival is a very dangerous habit to get into.

There were several times in the second half when it looked like the Hoyas were getting a little separation, but Georgetown squandered all of those opportunities to pull away. Early in the half the Hoyas failed to convert on a two-on-one break with Jonathan Wallace and Vernon Macklin. Later, after a miss from Alabama the Hoyas were a little careless trying to secure a loose ball, allowing Richard Hendrix an easy second chance basket. Then with less than seven minutes to play, Roy Hibbert missed a chance from close range that would’ve given the Hoyas their largest lead.

Every time Alabama was given a “Get out of Jail Free” card, they made the most of it. The Hoyas need to start punishing teams when they have the chance, since that’s what sets teams apart in March.