Game 3: Hoyas beat Dinosaurs 91-69

With apologies to FLHoya and anybody who wan't cut from their basketball team in the 9th grade (like I was) and thus has greater basketball knowledge than me!

Starters were the same as the last games: Clark, Starks, Thompson, Lubick, Sims. Game was called tightly for the first 5 minutes or so, with both teams getting called for ticky-tack fouls. Refs just wanted to establish that they were in control. However, they soon let the game flow and I think the game was called very fair.

First two off the bench and into the game were Trawick and Hopkins. At the next opportunity, it was Porter and Whittington. Therefore it was Clark plus those four freshmen and then subsequently was Starks plus the four freshmen. Then after that it was Bowen plus the four freshmen. Notice a theme? The freshmen got a lot of run during this game.

Game was played with 4 10 minute quarters (could have been 12 minute quarters, I can't recall). At the end of the 1st quarter, it was still very close: 17-16 Hoyas. My most memorable play was Whittington catching a very off-balance rebound directly under the basket and putting it back up as he was literally falling down, body fully stretched out, and it went in. Honestly didn't look possible and a very athletic move.

2nd quarter started with back to back 3s from Bowen. He seemed happy with both and was smiling and punching the air. I also recall lots of run for the freshmen in the second half, and remember them being out there with Bowen for a good length of time. Score was 44-37 Hoyas at the half.

3rd quarter – Nate had a big jam early on and was fouled – can't remember if he finished the +1 but it didn't matter – Hoya fans were on their feet. We even got a Hoya Saxa chant going!! OK, it lasted only about 30 seconds, but was still pretty cool. Then the Chinese fans started with their chant and were much louder and longer! Other 3rd quarter thoughts: Henry is looking good. Very comfortable out there. I talked to a couple alums who have seen him in the past two games as well and they said he's really improved and has done great these last three games. Didn't catch score at end of third quarter.

4th quarter – Caprio came in with about 7 minutes to go and I think it was just he and the four freshman from there on out. Turned into a bit of a dunk fest as I think each of the freshmen got at least one dunk in the last quarter. Caprio had 5 points as he made both a tough interior shot and a 3-pointer. 92-69 final score.

Overall observations:

Game was a lot of fun – for the fans and for the team – everybody was having a good time. It was a festival / almost playground ball atmosphere there. The game was part of the Nike Festival of Sports, which was a real fun event with thousands of people attending various events, exhibitions, etc. The fans at the game were clearly supporting the Chinese team, but it was apparently that they were also basketball fans and were just enjoying the game. They would occasionally applaud a good Hoya play – certainly no animosity or any negative feelings there at all.

The American players for the Chinese team didn't play (they were there, but didn't suit up). As a result, the Chinese team only went about 7 deep and I think were quite winded towards the end. Thompson obviously used the whole bench and therefore the team was fairly fresh throughout.

Several NBA players were on hand to watch. I saw Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, and Tyson Chandler. I think there were others there as well.

The final thought is that I think we look very good. The freshmen are extremely versatile and composed out there. Sims is better. Thompson and Clark were playing well. Bowen looked good. In fact I have no idea who the high scorer was or even an idea who the top three scorers were – it was very balanced.

Hopefully you will get some other (better!) accounts from the game. Will also be important to check out the box score and see if my account is even remotely accurate! Hoya Saxa

+1!
Thanks guys.
Very interesting to read how much PT the Frosh got!
Can't wait to see our team.

Box score shows another game with a wide differential in FTs. outscored 40-11 at the line and fouls at 26-11 against. Markel did not get a lot of run in the game only about 13 mins.

The box score is available at GUHOYAS.COM

Recap:

www.guhoyas.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082111aab.html

Box Score:

grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/gu/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/Georgetown_Liaoning_Box.pdf

Note: minutes played are approximate (Starks played more than 13 minutes, for example) - the seating for the spotter was less than advantageous - think Fenway in a low box seat near the walkway on the aisle.

Especially considering the Verizon Center is located in Chinatown. Yes! Make it so.

I want Henry to have a great season so badly. If he puts it all together, I think he could surprise us.

one of the important things is to have Nate excel @ what he does, so Henry is freed up to play to his strengths.

40 ft's to 11......

Thanks 91 for the first-person report. Must have been great to see our Hoyas live in China! And, like you, I was cut from my HS freshman team. Cut is not the word, because I did not make the team at all. When you were 5'2" and had no handle...