Game 9: Siena College (5-3)
Dec. 7, 6:30 pm (EST)
Washington, DC
Capital One Arena (20,500)
Tickets: Available
Media:
TV: Fox Sports 2
GU Radio: WFED-1580
SC Radio: WINU-104.9
Game Notes: Siena
Game Notes: Georgetown
About the Saints:
Location: Loudonville, NY
Enrollment: 3,214
Conference: MAAC
2020-21 Record: 15-14
Record vs. Georgetown: 4-3
Meet The Coach:
Carmen Maciariello
(Siena '01)
3rd season, 52-32
Career: Same
|
|
|
| Expected Starters |
| Name |
Ht. |
Pts. |
| Javian McCollum |
6-2 |
18.3 |
| Andrew Platek |
6-4 |
10.6 |
| Jayce Johnson |
6-3 |
6.3 |
| Jared Billups |
6-4 |
8.3 |
| Jackson Stormo |
6-9 |
11.0 |
| |
| Team Stats: |
| Points/Game: |
72.4 |
| Points Allowed: |
69.6 |
| FG Shooting: |
46.7 |
| FG Defense |
46.0 |
| 3FG Shooting: |
38.8 |
| FT Shooting: |
73.5 |
| Rebounds/Game |
34.1 |
| Assists/Game |
13.6 |
| Turnovers/Game |
16.3 |
|
| Last 5 Games (3-2) |
11/20: Harvard 69, SC 59
11/24: SC 80, Florida St 63
11/25: Mississippi 74, SC 62
11/27: SC 60, Seton Hall 55
12/02: SC 74, Canisius 70
|
|
Preview
As students approach exam week, Georgetown Basketball is approaching some further examination as well.
Patrick Ewing promised change following a 6-25 season in 2021-22. Approaching game 10 of the 2022-23 season, the Hoyas have lost three of four and do not have a win against a team ranked in the top 200 of the NCAA NET rankings. Wednesday's game with Siena, ranked 205th, is the last sub-200 opponent remaining on the schedule and one that Georgetown absolutely needs heading into the national media attention Saturday versus Syracuse.
The Saints arrive to Capital One Arena 5-3, with a five point win over Seton Hall that, on its own, should give Hoyas fans pause as to what they are capable of.
Siena returns one starter from last season's 15-14 team, a team equally divided between freshmen (six) and seniors/grad transfers. Sophomore Javian McCollum has stepped up from his freshman season to lead the team in scoring, shooting 50 percent from the field and 38 percent from three. His 4.8 assists per game is no less valuable as Siena needs touches to work past a taller Georgetown defense. Fellow guard Andrew Platek (10.6 ppg) is a solid shooter with good outside credentials (19 for 34, 51 percent) that Georgetown must watch on the perimeter. The two guards account for 60 percent of Siena's total three point production, so as the guards go, so go the Saints.
The third guard option in this game bears watching. Fifth year grad transfer Jayce Johnson has been inconsistent in games this season, with a season high of 16 versus Army but a combined 6 for 16 from the field in his last four games. Sharing time is 6-4 Michael Iley, who also had his two best games of the season against Army and Seton Hall. Getting consistent point production from their combined minutes is a big key if Siena can control tempo and keep Georgetown off its mark.
Inside, the Saints are small, but return 6-9 Jackson Stormo inside. Stormo had 25 points and 11 rebounds versus the Hoyas last year and has scored in double figures in seven of eight games, though none more than 12 points. Keeping Stormo active inside and free from foul trouble will be a significant factor if Siena can stay close.
Georgetown's problems in games are apparent and sadly mirror last season. The names and faces have changed, but GU still lacks perimeter defense, is weak inside, and does not manage its leads. Getting better three point shooting will help, but Georgetown is still struggling with rebounds; for despite the height advantages inside, the Hoyas are a negative 1.4 rebounds a game. In its last three games, the Hoyas are a combined -25 on total rebounds.
Of particular interest to Georgetown fans is the secret behind Siena's win over Seton Hall, 60-55. The two teams combined to shoot 12 percent from three point range (3 for 25) and while neither team had an advantage outside, Siena took a 27-22 lead on rebounds and a 30-24 advantage on points in the paint. The inside game is a point of emphasis if Siena is to win this matchup.
Some other keys to the game:
1. Turnovers: Siena's 16 turnovers is a troubling 337th nationally. Can Georgetown take advantage?
2. Size Matters: The Saints start just one player over 6-5; yet, Georgetown has not dominated the net rebounding numbers since the Green Bay game.
3. Late Game Management: Entering the last four minutes of the last four games, Georgetown led by an average of 5.4 points, and lost three of them. Can they hold a lead?
A win won't turn down the growing temperature around the program, but a loss will considerably raise the threat level going into a nationally televised game with Syracuse, the first many fans nationwide will see from this team.