The Georgetown Hoyas basketball team is set to meet the DePaul Blue Demons on March 8th in a thrilling regular-season finale at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. This matchup is particularly exciting as it marks a chance for the Hoyas to avenge an earlier defeat this season, providing an intriguing storyline as both teams gear up for the Big East Tournament.
Georgetown Men’s Basketball Travels to Chicago to Close the Regular Season
The Hoyas come into this game feeling optimistic after their recent nail-biting victory against the Villanova Wildcats, where they won 75-73 in a fiercely contested battle. This victory not only boosts their morale but also marks the first regular-season sweep over Villanova since the 1992-93 season, giving them a much-needed confidence boost as they approach the critical tournament stage. During that game, Jayden Epps emerged as a hero, scoring 20 points, including the thrilling game-winning layup, while Micah Peavy added 19 points to the scoreboard.
Georgetown Advantages
Despite facing some challenges, Georgetown holds several advantages in this game. First, their guard play, spearheaded by the skilled trio of Epps, Mack, and Peavy, has been a key strength this season. The Hoyas also boast a solid defensive ranking, currently sitting fourth in the Big East, with an average of allowing just 68.1 points per game. Their defensive strategies will be crucial as they face a DePaul team known for their 3-point shooting, which ranks third in the conference. Additionally, a victory over DePaul could provide a huge boost in their confidence as they prepare for the ensuing challenges of the Big East Tournament.
Georgetown Disadvantages
However, the Hoyas will face significant hurdles during this matchup. One major concern is the absence of their center, Thomas Sorber, whose contributions of 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game will certainly be missed inside the paint. This lack of size might be exploited by a DePaul team eager to repeat their earlier success over Georgetown, where they managed to secure a 73-68 win in their last encounter. Furthermore, Jayden Epps has had his share of struggles this season due to injuries and illnesses, which could affect his performance on the court.
Looking Ahead to the Big East Tournament
Both teams are anxious as they approach this game, not only for the immediate implications but also considering the potential rematch in the Big East Tournament later. DePaul has shown signs of improvement, recently snapping a long conference losing streak with a win earlier in this season, but they are still dealing with injuries, particularly to their starting point guard, Conor Enright. Their leading scorer, CJ Gunn, who averages 12.6 points per game, will need to step up against Georgetown’s determined defense.
This game is a pivotal moment for both teams. For Georgetown, it’s about proving their resilience and learning from past mistakes, while DePaul seeks to build on their previous win and carry that momentum into the tournament. As the clock ticks down to tip-off at 1 PM CT (2 PM ET) on FS1, fans from both sides are gearing up for an exciting matchup that promises to deliver high stakes and thrilling basketball action.