Georgetown Powers Over Central Arkansas (photos)

The Georgetown Hoyas (2-0, Big East) never trailed in defeating the visiting Central Arkansas Bears (1-2, SLC) 89-78 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Nov. 9. It was in stark contrast to their Wednesday opener against Mount St. Mary’s, when the Hoyas had to claw their way back from a 19-point deficit. The Bears kept it close, trailing by only three with 3:33 left in the first half, before a late spurt by the Hoyas increased their lead to 54-42 before the break. The game was the opening round of the 2K Empire Classic.

Seven-foot men led the scoring for each team. Transfer student Omer Yurtseven scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Hoyas, while sophomore center Hayden Koval totaled 21 points for the Bears, making 4 of 5 from the three-point circle. Jagan Mosely had 13 points shooting a perfect 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from the free throw line. And Jamorko Pickett added 10 points for Georgetown. Pickett and freshman center Qudus Wahab led the team with 7 rebounds; James Akinjo registered a team-high seven assists.

The game was fast paced, resembling a track meet at times. Georgetown as a team shot 50 percent (33-66) from the field and outrebounded the Bears 55-31. Still, head coach Patrick Ewing found a lot of room for improvement. The Hoyas turned the ball over 19 times, and the starting backcourt duo of Mac McClung and James Akinjo shot a combined 3 for 18 from the field. “We still have a long way to go from now to where we want to be at the end of the year. But we just want to get better and better every time we step on the floor.” said Ewing.

The Hoyas return to the Capital One Arena for their next game, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, against Penn State. The game will be televised on FS1. Fans can also listen in at WTEM, “The Team 980.”

View Jeff Malet’s photos from courtside by clicking on the photo icons below.

Terrell Allen of the Hoyas goes up for a hook shot against 7 fooyrt Hayden Koval of the Bears in the 2nd half.

Terrell Allen of the Hoyas dribbles between his legs against Hayden Koval of the Bears in the 2nd half.

Hayden Koval, the 7 foot tall center of the Bears shoots over Omer Yurtseven of the Hoyas in the 2nd half.

Lewis McDaniel of the Bears is guarded by Terrell Allen of the Hoyas in the 2nd half.

4 go up for a rebound under the Georgetown basket in the 2nd half.

Jagan Mosely of the Hoyas attacks the basked against Rylan Bergersen of the Bears.

The Hoyas’ Qudus Wahab, s 6/11″ freshman, stretches for the ball against DeAndre Jones pf the Bears.

James Akinjo of the Hoyas is guarded by Hayden Koval of the Bears in the 1st half.

Terrell Allen of the Hoyas goes over Eddy Kayouloudl in the 1st half.

Terrell Allen of the Hoyas with the ball in the 1st half.

Eddy Kayouloud and Jaxson Baker of the Bears position for a rebound against Josh Leblanc of the Hoyas in the 1st half.

Terrell Allen of the Hoyas goes under Rylan Bergersen of the Bears in the 1st half.

James Akinjo of the Hoyas

Mac McClung of the Hoyas brings the ball upcourt chased by Eddy Kayouloud of the Bears.

Omer Yurtseven of the Hoyas shoots over SK Shittu of the Bears in the 1st half.

Hoyas cheerleaders celebrate a basket.

SK Shittu of the Bears is guarded by Qudus Wahab of Georgetown.

Georgwtown students Patrick Haubert and Alex Gloth cheer their Hoyas.

James Akinjo of the Hoyas drives on DeAndre Jones of the Bears in the 1st half.

Omer Yurtseven of the Hoyas drives on Hayden Koval of the Bears in the 1st half.

Omer Yurtseven of the Hoyas drives on Hayden Koval of the Bears in the 1st half.

Mac McClung of the Hoyas shoots a free throw early in the game.

tagsGeorgetown Hoyas Basketball;photographySportssports photography