Sunday, November 29, 2009

Mount at Verizon to take on Hoyas

Who plays?: Mt. St. Mary's (3-2) travels to the Verizon Center to take on Georgetown (4-0) for the second straight season.

What's at stake?: The Hoyas continue their pre-Big East Schedule with another "tune-up" with the Mount. Georgetown is trying to improve upon last year's 16-15 record which included a first round NIT loss to tourney runner-up Baylor. Among the 16 wins was a 69-58 win over the Mount. For the Mount its another chance to get a signature win over a big time opponent. It also gives the Mount its last opportunity to iron out some things before the NEC schedule kicks off Thursday at Robert Morris.

When is tipoff?: Monday at 7:30. The game will be aired on MASN - and we should have a live blog on the Fan Blog - so if you don't make the trip - tune in with us.

Where is the game?: at Verizon Center in DC. The Arena is the sixth largest in Division I basketball. As mentioned the game is on TV - MASN with the broadcast. Radio coverage available on the Mount Radio Network, 1450AM WTHU.
The Analysis: The Mount had to have left a solid impression with its 11-point loss last season. A game that if I remember correctly, the Mount had a second half lead in. So its unlikely the Hoyas will take the Mount lightly. Georgetown had some struggles with the tough defense of Temple and the Mount will look to defend strongly against the Hoyas.

Advantages for Mt. St. Mary's: The Mount has played in these types of games before. Playing at the Phone Booth last year should also help the Mounties. The Mount has played well this season, but must still find a way to shoot the ball a little bit better. Jeremy Goode and Jean Cajou have provided offense for the Mount, and Kelly Beidler has done a fine job stuffing the stat sheet.

Advantages for Georgetown: It seems as if Georgetown might have the weapons to take advantage of some of the Mount's weaknesses. The Hoyas have a size advantage up front, and the Mount has struggled on the glass and with its interior defense. That could be good news for former HS All-American Greg Monroe who has averaged 13.8 points and 9 rebounds per outing to start the season.

What to expect?: All indications are that this is going to be a defensive test. The Hoyas give up just .880 points per possession (32nd in the country) while the Mount has held the opposition below 70 points in each of its three wins this season. If the Mount can improve upon its offensive efficiency, it could have the opportunity late to steal a win. If the Mount struggles to find itself offensively and allows the Hoyas to get out and run, as they did against Lafayette in a 97-64 win, it could turn into a similart result. I think it might be too much to ask for the Mount to get a win, but I'm expecting a quality effort - let's call it 69-55 Georgetown.

Casual Hoya

ACC Stats

Mount Athletics

Washington Examiner

Hoya Hoops

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