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Georgetown Hoyas outlast DePaul Blue Demons 70-58

The Georgetown Hoyas didn't seem bothered as they won their opening BIG EAST game against the DePaul Blue Demons.

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

It was the epitome of a team win for the Georgetown Hoyas Tuesday night in Rosemont, Illinois, as they beat the DePaul Blue Demons to pick up their first win in conference play despite a big night by Blue Demons junior guard Billy Garrett Jr.

It was a surprisingly tense first half as DePaul stayed in the game with Georgetown and were only down down 32-27 at the half. It was surprising considering the fact that DePaul only shot 32 percent rom the field, having only made 10-of-27 from the field.

With shooting like that and the seven turnovers they had in the first half, the only reason why DePaul was not down more was something that Georgetown was doing wrong. The Hoyas also shot poorly from the field in the first half of play, converting on just 12 of their 29 field goal attempts.

Georgetown improved their play in the second half, as the Hoyas began to knock down some shots that weren't going down in the first 20 mintues. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera then picked up some of his scoring as the Hoyas expanded their lead to double digits as the game seemed to come to a close. It was The Isaac Copeland and DSR Show at the conclusion as Georgetown walked out of Allstate Arena with a 70-58 victory.

Smith-Rivera and Copeland led the way for the Hoyas as they both had 15 points to lead the way. L.J. Peak had 14 points as well. Reggie Cameron hit three shots from deep for the Hoyas.

For DePaul, Billy Garrett Jr.'s 21 points led the way on both sides. As far as the rest of his team, Garrett Jr.'s output was markedly better than the rest with Tommy Hamilton's nine points being the second-best mark. Myke Henry put up a surprisingly low two points but made sure to promise that type of night wasn't going to ever happen again.

Here are three things we learned from this encounter.

1. The Hoyas overcame an okay-shooting night

From 3-point land it was a solid night for Georgetown as they shot 43.5 percent from deep with Reggie Cameron hitting the a team-high three 3-pointers in Rosemont. Compare that to DePaul, who shot only 33.3 percent, and it was a solid night for JTIII's club. For a team that depends on outside shooting like Georgetown does, it was important for them to start hitting shots early and often in the game. From the field however it was okay as they only shot 38.2 percent. But, they won, so it's somewhat easier to gloss over.

2. Billy Garrett Jr. can't do it all by himself

Another big night for DePaul's Billy Garrett Jr. was in order, as he scored 21 points to lead all scorers on a 7-of-13 mark from the field. But, he received no help as no other Blue Demon scored in double digits. Tommy Hamilton IV scored nine and that was the closest any other DePaul player got. If DePaul wants to be competitive, they need to give some help to Garrett Jr. He leads the team in scoring and teams know he's going to get his own every night. If other guys step up, then DePaul has a chance. Simple as that.

3. This is just the start for both teams

If you are a fan of each team don't let this one game define your conference play. For Georgetown, they still have to iron our their inconsistencies and for DePaul, they have to give help to Garrett Jr. and play better defensively. There is still a long way to go for both teams. Let the fun begin.