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Last season was certainly one to forget for the Georgetown Hoyas. At 14-17, Georgetown had one of its worst seasons since joining the Big East in 1979. Luckily for the Hoyas, it’s a new year, and they have a solid roster.
How to watch, listen, or stream
Game Time: Noon ET
TV: FOX Sports 2 (Scott Graham, Ron Thompson)
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Stream: FOX Sports Go (Where available)
All-Time Series
This is the first meeting between USC-Upstate and Georgetown. The last time the Hoyas faced an Atlantic Sun team, they defeated Lipscomb, 70-49.
USC-Upstate is 0-2 against Big East teams since joining Division I in 2006. Upstate lost to Cincinnati in the 2007-08 season, then fell to Notre Dame to open the 2008-09 season.
Three-Point Preview
Replacing DSR
While the Hoyas return mostly everyone from last season, the one player who isn’t back is D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera. DSR finished his Georgetown career as a top five scorer in program history, and averaged 16.2 points per game last year. Georgetown should be fine in this game, but it will be a good test to see how they’re going to make up some of those 16 points per game they lost with Smith-Rivera’s departure.
Who to Watch on the Spartans
USC-Upstate had a disappointing 10-22 season last year, but they return mostly the entire team. Center Michael Buchanan is a good early test for Georgetown’s experienced frontcourt. Buchanan averaged 11.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season and is listed at 7’0. Buchanan was also one of the 100 best offensive rebounders in the country per KenPom.
Avoiding the Trap
Nearly one year ago to the day, Georgetown faced a vastly inferior opponent on a Saturday afternoon at the Verizon Center to open their season.
They proceeded to lose in double overtime to Radford.
Aside from being a fun(?) tidbit, that doesn’t necessarily have any bearing on this season’s game, however, it is likely in the back of the minds of players, coaches, and fans. The Hoyas need to come out ready and focused against Upstate.