This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Nora Princiotti.
Who: GW (4-2) vs. Georgetown (4-2)
Where: McDonough Arena, Georgetown University
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.
Case for Georgetown:
GW and Georgetown are statistically very similar, but GW has the advantage in strength of schedule so far. Still, the Hoyas have players who, on their home court, could make the Colonials uncomfortable.
The Hoyas have a high-scoring attack that has what it takes to keep pace with the Colonials. Natalie Butler, Andrea White and Katie McCormick are all averaging double figures in points per game, with Butler leading the pack at 16.3 ppg.
The 6’5” Butler has two straight Big East Rookie of the Week titles and will be a tough inside presence to contain. Head coach Jonathan Tsipis’ defense has been relying more heavily on man-coverage in recent games, but Butler could pose matchup problems for this new look team, especially without the press.
The Colonials will have their work cut out for them in limiting Georgetown’s rebounds – the Hoyas have grabbed a huge 47.3 rebounds per game, while holding opponents to 36.3. GW has been out-rebounded 38.7 to 44.3 so for this season and could see a similar result Tuesday.
The Hoyas will also have home field advantage at McDonough Arena, as the Colonials have yet to knock off an opponent playing on their home turf. Georgetown has a 2-1 record so far playing visiting teams.
Case for GW:
The Colonials statement victory of the year so far was a hard fought 75-72 upset of then-No. 10 California. But the Hoyas, who played the reeling Golden Bears just two days later, couldn’t keep up and were handed a 67-52 loss at home.
Georgetown’s size will make them competitive in the paint, but if GW can shut the Hoyas down near the net they shouldn’t face as much pressure around the perimeter. Georgetown has been weak from downtown, making an average of just 3.2 three-point field goals per game while allowing 7.2.
Entering Hoya territory may seem less daunting for GW after cruising to their first road win of the season over Jacksonville State, 100-71, at the Georgia State Invitational on Sunday.
The Colonials offense has been hot, hitting the century mark for the second time this season against Jacksonville. The team has its go-to scorer back to form in Megan Nipe, who tied her career high in points with 31 in the game. But GW has also benefitted from a balanced attack of late – five Colonials scored in double figures on Sunday.
Scoring shouldn’t be a problem, but the Colonials can make or break the game with how well they handle the Hoya’s bigs inside.
