Sweep Dreams

Back on January 3rd, the Red Storm beat the Georgetown Hoyas 61-58, in a game that resonated around the Big East, maybe even the country. Fans were a little prouder, the basketball punditry fired up their “St. John’s is back” memes, the Garden was red for a day, loud with “let’s go Johnnies” and “we are! St. John’s”.

For this year’s team, that was only the start of a marathon; there have been other good wins and other big losses as the Red Storm have navigated through a gauntlet of ranked teams.  This week’s games will be tough – the always-hyped matchup against Duke, and the second game against the Georgetown Hoyas.

St. John’s beat the Hoyas with a crisp performance, free throws, the Brownlee + Hardy scoring machine, and good defense. But can they do it again in Washington, DC, and sweep the rival Georgetown Hoyas?

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Georgetown Hoyas (14-5, 3-4)

The Hoyas have missed a good number of outside shots in Big East play. The culprits? Jason Clark and Chris Wright, who are a combined 12-54 from beyond the arc in conference play. They – and Austin Freeman and Hollis Thompson – take a lot of outside shots, still, and only Freeman has been effective in getting those shots through the hoop.

Combined with Clark and Wright’s turnovers…. it seems that sometimes they really hurt their team.  On defense, the Hoyas have been okay, only giving up over 70 points to Seton hall and Pittsburgh. But they play slow games, so that number is a little deceiving; they’re not a great defensive club.

As always, Austin Freeman is the dangerous shooter; he can pull it from anywhere and he will be more aggressive this game than the last.  Clark and Wright are quick guards; despite their iffy shooting, they can also put up points in a hurry on the drive and from the jump shot.

Hollis Thompson and Julian Vaughn have started all 7 games with the aforementioned trio. All five share the rebounding duties, with Vaughn leading the way, especially on the offensive end.  Thompson has been much more of a jump shooter in conference play, but has the height to be a pest.

Nate Lubick and Henry Sims back things up in the post. Sims is tall, blocks shots and can snag some boards, while Lubick is versatile. Jerelle Beinmon can get some time in the paint, while Markel Starks is a promising guard. Last game, the Johnnies forced 6 turnovers from the big men of the Hoyas; look to see more pressure defense.

Keys to the Game

More Pressure Defense. St. John’s will try to keep the Hoyas from getting a passing offensive rhythm, hounding them all over the court.

Keep the Turnover Ratio Favorable. More turnovers for them – especially the Hoya bigs. Less turnovers for St. John’s – especially the unforced turnovers. That’s a winning formula.

Get Brownlee Going. The Johnnies need to score in the paint and draw fouls to win this game.

Stop Austin Freeman (and their shooters). Austin Freeman was stifled, didn’t get a lot of shots off.  If St. John’s can keep him quiet, their chances to win are very good.

Crisp Play. Defend well. be aware. And hit those dang free throws!

Prediction: Freeman gets some more shots off. And they fall. 70-61, Georgetown.