Written by
The Sports Network
Syracuse, NY (Sports Network) - The 12th-ranked Georgetown Hoyas will attempt
to tarnish the second-ranked Syracuse Orange's perfect home record tonight as
the two square off in a Big East battle at the Carrier Dome.
This will be the 87th encounter between the Hoyas and Orange. Syracuse leads
the all-time series 47-39 after it picked up a 58-51 victory over Georgetown
last season on Feb 26th, 2011 in Washington, DC.
John Thompson III has led the Hoyas to an 18-4 overall record and an 8-3 mark
in Big East action so far. Georgetown dominated South Florida, 75-45, its last
time out for its second win in a row. The Bulls were the second straight
opponent the Hoyas held under 50 points. Georgetown has not backed down from
its top-tier opponents this season, as it is 4-1 against top 25 teams. The
Hoyas' defense is allowing a league-best 58.6 ppg, while they average 71.0 ppg
on the offensive end.
Jason Clark is pacing Georgetown this season with a team-highs of 15.2 points
and 1.8 steals per game. The senior guard has shot 56.2 percent from the field
in his last two outings. Hollis Thompson and Henry Sims are both vital to the
Hoyas' success as well. Thompson is second in the team with a scoring average
of 13.7 ppg. Sims had team-highs of 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists
in the recent win over South Florida. Otto Porter is reeling in a team-high
6.6 rpg.
Syracuse went back to its dominating fashion on Saturday as it rolled past
St. John's to pick up a 95-70 decision. Head coach Jim Boeheim has led his
team to sole possession of first place in the Big East as it has a 10-1 record
in league play. The Orange's only loss this season was to Notre Dame, which
they played without their impactful center Fab Melo. Syracuse leads the league
in scoring with an average of 78.1 ppg, and has held its opponents to 60.8
ppg.
The Orange have had all their success come this season through a total team
effort. There is not any player on Syracuse with jaw-dropping statistics, but
the team's play as a solidified unit has led to superb results. Kris Joseph
leads Syracuse in scoring with 13.7 ppg on 44.3 percent shooting. The senior
forward has been consistent lately, reaching double figures in six straight
contests. Dion Waiters averages a second-best 12.3 ppg, while Brandon Triche
chips in an even 10.0 ppg. Scoop Jardine controls the offense for the Orange
and leads it with 4.8 assists per contest. Melo anchors the patented 2-3 zone
with 3.0 blocks per game.
The Sports Network