BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: GEORGETOWN @ DEPAUL

January 8, 2008


Two ofthe four remaining unbeaten teams in Big East play collide in Chicago tonight as the Georgetown Hoyas meet the DePaul Blue Demons. DePaul has surprised many following the conference wth wins over Villanova and Providence to start league play. Georgetown beat Rutgers on Saturday to start Big East play for the Hoyas.


DePaul, 6-7 on the season, will face a daunting task to reach .500 on the season and to move to 3-0 in the Big East. Georgetown is deep with talent on the front line and in the backcourt. Seniors Jonathan Wallace, Roy Hibbert and Pat Ewing give coach John Thompson III the veteran leadership any contender must have. DaJuan Summers is a burgeoning star in the league and Jesse Sapp has been through the Big East battes for a few yars as well. Freshmen Austin Freeman and Chris Wright are capable of giving the Hoyas an extra gear. Added depth with Vernon Macklin and Jeremiah Rivers to round out the regular rotation that has answers for just about every situation they will face in the Big East.

One of DePaul's biggst areas of improvement the last few games has been their play at point guard, led by senior Cliff Clinkscales and junior Jabari Currie. Their more consistent play as the leaders on the floor has been a big help in the team's improvement. Draelon Burns is the go-to scorer and has a defined role, although he will find it tough to be effecient against the Georgetown defense.

DePaul definitely has the athleticism to match anyone in the conference on the wings with Karron Clarke, Dar Tucker and Will Walker. Inside, the one-two punch of Mac Koshwal and Wesley Green have greatly benefited from the improved guard play as they have gotten more touches and taken advantage.

Tonight, look for Georgetown to play with a little more purpose and intensity because John Thompson III was not at all happy with the overall effort against Rutgers. They will involve Roy Hibbert early and often and work from there. DePaul will hang tough, but Georgetown will slowly and consistently pull away with their offensive effeciency, stout defense and solid rebounding, making DePaul have to play a near perfect game to keep pace.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Georgetown 71 DePaul 61