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How to Watch
Time: Noon ET
TV: CBS
Location: Gampel Pavilion
Records: UConn 13-6 (10-6) | Georgetown 9-11 (7-8)
KenPom Rankings: UConn – 26 | Georgetown – 84
Previous Meeting
The UConn Huskies recently took down the Georgetown Hoyas by a score of 70-57 at McDonough Arena. This was a close game, until the Huskies finally pulled away in the last 10 minutes or so of the second half to win comfortably. This win is looking more and more impressive as Georgetown continues it’s late season surge.
UConn Senior Night
UConn makes it’s final homestand of the season on Saturday, senior night. Josh Cartlon, Tyler Polley, and Isaiah Whaley have stuck with UConn through some tumultuous times. Can the Huskies send their seniors off the right way? UConn has already secured 3rd place in the Big East regular season. They seem to have cemented their place in the NCAA tournament. A home win over Georgetown in Gampel would be a great parting memory for their last home game, if only these three could have experienced one Big East rivalry style packed house to get the fan love an admiration they deserve. Of course, it’s possible any of all of the seniors could return, but that’s something to be decided later on. For now, soak it in seniors, you’ve earned it.
The Matchup
Back to the game. Not much has changed since these two teams last met. Both teams have won 4 of their last 5 and seem to be rolling. I’m not sure any team wants to see Georgetown or UConn in the Big East tournament. Both teams have found their confidence at the right time and I would love to see these old school Big East teams take back the Big East. UConn is closer than Georgetown, and say what you want, but Patrick Ewing has proven he can coach. Ewing also has a great recruiting class coming in as well. Depending on how the Hoyas close out the season, I’d argue that he should be considered for Big East Coach of the Year, but that’s another article for another day (and they will never give it to a coach with a losing record, but still, you get the point). Can the Hoyas continue this momentum into next season? I may be biased (okay, I’m definitely biased on this one), but the Big East is better when the original schools are top dogs.
I have to continue my applause for Patrick Ewing. After a disastrous offseason he brought in 7 new players and was picked to finish dead last in the Big East. It took a while, but the Hoyas have seemingly figured things out. With a win, Georgetown would finish the regular season with a .500 record in the Big East. I’m not sure there was anyone thinking Georgetown would come close to that at the beginning of the season, but with one game left, that’s where the Hoyas stand. Credit to the coaches and players for not giving up on the season.
Dan Hurley told reporters that he didn’t want to lose at home anymore. I’m sure he won’t want to lose on senior night. UConn is 4-1 since James Bouknight returned from injury, but Bouknight isn’t the only reason the Huskies are winning. Bouknight’s extended 8 game absence is proving huge late in the season and the Huskies are clicking. RJ Cole has become a consistent scoring threat, and everyone knows what can happen when UConn has a dynamic backcourt. The UConn bigs have also stepped up. Isaiah Whaley and Adama Sanogo dominated against Seton Hall. The team is figuring things out at the right time. The Huskies currently ranked 3rd in the Big East for adjusted offense and have held the top spot for adjusted defense for most of conference play. They will look to keep things rolling in their final homestand of the season.
Final Thoughts
Georgetown has played a major part in potentially spoiling the NCAA tournament hopes of Xavier and Seton Hall. UConn should be safely in the tournament at this point, but a home loss to Georgetown would possibly put the Huskies closer to the bubble than they would like. Both teams are playing with confidence and I don’t expect Georgetown to go down without a fight. This game will be an old school Big East battle.