Hoyas at Marquette - VIPsports Edge

Tommy · 02-16-06, 12:18 PM

The extremely tough Big East conference doesn’t get any easier for Georgetown tonight, as the Hoyas travel to the Midwest to face Marquette. Georgetown is one of three Top 25 teams in action tonight, with Boston College and Washington being the two others.

Bet Now: Georgetown (+1) at Marquette

Coach John Thompson III is one of the feel-good stories in college basketball this year. He was hired in 2004 after the Hoyas were coming off their first losing season since 1973. That is a lot of pressure for someone who is the son of a Hall of Fame Georgetown coach bearing the same name.

In his first season at the helm, Thompson III guided the team to a 19-13 record, and winning two games in the NIT post-season tournament.

This year, they are off to an even better start at 17-5, and are the 16th ranked team in the country. They are also 8-3 in the Big East.

One of the best aspects to this Georgetown team is its balance. They have six guys playing major minutes, and all six average between 8.7 and 12.1 points per game. It is also a great mix of youngsters and veterans with three sophomores and three seniors.

One additional factor that Georgetown has going for it is size. The Hoyas go 7’2”, 6’9”, and 6’9” across the frontcourt, much bigger than most NCAA teams.

While Georgetown is at the top of the pack in the Big East, Marquette sits right in the middle. They have a 16-8 record overall, and 6-5 in the conference. They are currently on a two game losing streak with losses at Villanova and Rutgers.

The Golden Eagles are led in scoring by 6’10” Steve Novzak at over 16 points per game. The next three leading scorers are freshmen guards, Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wes Matthews Jr. This team is right on the bubble in making the NCAA tournament, and they have a bright future with their young nucleus.

Before a home loss to West Virginia last Sunday, Georgetown had won seven straight games including victories over Duke and Pittsburgh.

Marquette has been very stingy at home this year in conference, going 4-1 including a win over Connecticut. Despite that, Georgetown should take advantage of its mismatch inside, and bounce back with a win tonight.

Prediction: Georgetown 72, Marquette 68

Please contact Michael at edge@vipsports.com with any suggestions.

http://edge.vipsports.com

02-16-06, 12:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,068	Hoyas at Marquette - VIPsports Edge The extremely tough Big East conference doesn’t get any easier for Georgetown tonight, as the Hoyas travel to the Midwest to face Marquette. Georgetown is one of three Top 25 teams in action tonight, with Boston College and Washington being the two others. Bet Now: Georgetown (+1) at Marquette Coach John Thompson III is one of the feel-good stories in college basketball this year. He was hired in 2004 after the Hoyas were coming off their first losing season since 1973. That is a lot of pressure for someone who is the son of a Hall of Fame Georgetown coach bearing the same name. In his first season at the helm, Thompson III guided the team to a 19-13 record, and winning two games in the NIT post-season tournament. This year, they are off to an even better start at 17-5, and are the 16th ranked team in the country. They are also 8-3 in the Big East. One of the best aspects to this Georgetown team is its balance. They have six guys playing major minutes, and all six average between 8.7 and 12.1 points per game. It is also a great mix of youngsters and veterans with three sophomores and three seniors. One additional factor that Georgetown has going for it is size. The Hoyas go 7’2”, 6’9”, and 6’9” across the frontcourt, much bigger than most NCAA teams. While Georgetown is at the top of the pack in the Big East, Marquette sits right in the middle. They have a 16-8 record overall, and 6-5 in the conference. They are currently on a two game losing streak with losses at Villanova and Rutgers. The Golden Eagles are led in scoring by 6’10” Steve Novzak at over 16 points per game. The next three leading scorers are freshmen guards, Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wes Matthews Jr. This team is right on the bubble in making the NCAA tournament, and they have a bright future with their young nucleus. Before a home loss to West Virginia last Sunday, Georgetown had won seven straight games including victories over Duke and Pittsburgh. Marquette has been very stingy at home this year in conference, going 4-1 including a win over Connecticut. Despite that, Georgetown should take advantage of its mismatch inside, and bounce back with a win tonight. Prediction: Georgetown 72, Marquette 68 Please contact Michael at edge@vipsports.com with any suggestions. http://edge.vipsports.com
Status: Offline