Friars Look to Extend Win Streak to 7 and Sweep the Hoyas – Providence Georgetown Preview

After defeating St. John’s in Queens Tuesday evening, Providence ventures south to play the Georgetown Hoyas in Washington, D.C. Providence is looking to continue their win streak and finish their week of road games 2-0. Below, we provide the game previews and recaps of the initial game against Georgetown, where Providence won 83-75 at home.

Game 1 Preview: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2022/01/19/providence-looks-to-continue-winning-ways-after-covid-break-georgetown-pc-preview/

Game 1 Recap: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2022/01/21/providence-returns-from-covid-pause-and-beats-georgetown-to-remain-atop-the-big-east/

Below, we preview what Providence needs to do to secure a win against Georgetown and get to 20-2.

Keys to the Game

1. PLEASE – Defend the 3: There is a very minimal chance Georgetown can pull off the upset. One of the only ways they can accomplish beating the Friars is going scorched earth from deep. Georgetown has 2 of the top 8 3 point shooters in the Big East (based off 3PT FG%) in Donald Carey and Kaiden Rice. Carey and Rice average 45.6 and 41.0% from deep. In the first match-up, Providence allowed these guys to hit 10 of the 13 total three’s they made. Georgetown shot 56.5% from deep that game, which is the only reason that game stayed within single digits. Providence CANNOT lose either player on defense, whether that is in a half court set or in transition. These guys are hunting for their shot, exemplified by them combining to take 17 3’s in their loss to St. John’s. If you take this away from their games, it significantly limits what the Hoyas can do.
2. Get Watson and Croswell in the Open Floor – After watching the game against St. John’s, I’m convinced Mutumbo will be an All-Big East player by the time he is junior; however, he is still a ways away at the present moment. If I’m Cooley, I’m telling the bigs to run the floor and make Mutumbo exert a lot of effort on both ends. Joel Soriano had 14 and 9 against Georgetown, which is a telling indication of what Watson and Croswell should be able to. Tire out the young Mutumbo and good things will happen for these two big men. In the first match-up, they combined for 25 points. I’d expect a similar (if not better) scoring output in this one.
3. Play to the Providence Standard – It is easy to lessen your level of play when you are playing a basement dweller like Georgetown. Providence needs to set a standard of play regardless of who they are playing moving forward. Providence can no longer sneak up on teams. They have a target on their back due to their standing in the Big East and national ranking. Teams are going to be looking to take them down and play with an extra edge. If Providence comes into this one with a lackadaisical approach, they have the chance of being upset. Providence needs to play their game from the get-go and not let Georgetown hang around.

Predictions

BOC: Providence takes care of business in this one 78 – 65 to get to 20-2 and 10-1 in the Big East. Do they crack the Top 10?

Crier: As I stated on the most recent pod episode I won’t worry about the Georgetown Hoyas. Yes, I don’t like facing a team looking for its first conference win when it’s February. Yes, I’m aware that the Friars had a crushing loss at Georgetown last year but no I will not worry. Defend the three and get Watson plenty of paint touches and the Friars will be on their way. PC 80 Georgetown 62, maybe Mr Pom will find this sufficient.