St. John’s vs Georgetown: Big East Tournament Preview
Written March 10, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
There are not many teams (if any) that have had a more disappointing year by their own standards as The Georgetown Hoyas. While the young Hoyas were not predicted pre-season to succeed at a high level, they still were pessimistic about their young talent blossoming early. That is exactly the way it looked for the first half of the year. Greg Monroe was playing like a man, Chris Wright looked electrifying while Dajuan Summers and Jessie Sapp were holding down the fort with their experience and leadership skills. However, from Jan. 3rd and on they finished with a disappointing 6-12 record. The Hoyas were so unpredictable that you never knew which team would show up. Georgetown is currently a 5.5 point favorite over St. John’s.
The St.Johns Red Storm, you would have to think that sooner or later they are going to be a competitive squad once again. To many people’s surprise (myself included), they have been a thorn in the backside for many teams this year. They have beaten both Notre Dame and Georgetown in conference play showing grit, team chemistry and plenty of talent. DJ Kennedy and Paris Horne have been a pleasant sigh of relief for the Storm who’s future is looking more bright then bleak. St.Johns opening up the Big East Tournament at home as a decent sized underdog you’d think might be a safe play. An improved inspired team playing basically at home could tend to be a rough one for the opponent. But as Lee Corso of College Football Game day always says, “not so fast my friends.”
Prediction: The two teams split the regular season meetings with each other. While the Hoyas dominated from start to finish at home in the first match up, later in the year the Hoyas led at the Johnies arena by 15 late in the second half and just flat out collapsed which led to an overtime loss for the Hoyas. DJ Kennedy (probable) will be playing banged up and it is very doubtful that Rob Thomas will have a repeat of his late game circus shots tomorrow in the Garden. While Paris Horne I do believe will show up to play for the Storm, I believe this one will be controlled by the Hoyas with ease. G’town have played stellar defense consistently and while it may be to little to late, their scoring has picked up a bit as Chris Wright I believe will be the difference maker. Dajuan Summers will have his bunch under control, poised and very motivated as they get the Big East Tourney kicked off at the Garden. The speed of Chris Wright will prove to be to much for a hobbled DJ Kennedy and unlike the last meeting when Georgetown blew a 15 point lead in the second half, they will clamp down this time and run away with the game late. Look for The Hoyas to shoot stellar from the free throw line like they always do as this game will be a runaway. Georgetown will take this game with relative ease as I also believe they can be a sleeper team in the Big East Tournament.
Final Regular Season Record
Georgetown 16-13
St.Johns 15-16
BetUS Line: Georgetown Hoyas -5.5
Jordan’s Pick: Georgetown -5.5
Final Score Prediction:
Georgetown 67
St. Johns 54
Looking to bet on college basketball this tournament season? Be sure to check out the NCAA basketball picks from our top handicappers and check the NCAA basketball lines for all the tournament games at Betfirms.
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