Hoyas Drop American 80-60 for 6th Straight Win (photos)


The Georgetown University men’s basketball team defeated its uptown rival, the American University Eagles, 80-60 on Saturday, Dec. 28. With this sixth consecutive win, the Hoyas head into Big East play next week with an overall record improved to 10-3. The Eagles, who play in the Patriot League, dropped to 4-7. It was the last non-conference game for both teams.

Omer Yurtseven led the Hoyas with 17 points and eight rebounds. Sa’eed Nelson topped the scoring for the Eagles with 17; a spectacular two-handed layin, while falling out of bounds with his back to the basket, gave his team a 30-27 lead with 4:13 to play in the first half.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Hoyas would score the next 14 points and eventually take a 41-32 lead into halftime. Georgetown never looked back, expanding the team’s advantage to 23 points with eight minutes left in the game.

The Hoyas did suffer a scare late in the first half when star guard Mac McClung got poked in his right eye by Nelson. McClung, with one eye nearly shut, still managed to knock down two free throws to give his team a lead which was never relinquished. But his day was done and his availablity in doubt for the Hoyas’ Big East opener at Providence on Tuesday, and possibly beyond. McClung left the game with only eight points. He had been averaging over 22 points per game during his team’s latest winning streak.

The recent departures of four players to transfer has provided opportunity for bench players. Six-foot-11 freshman center Timothy Ighoefe was impressive, scoring eight points, five more than his previous season total. Senior George Muresan also added quality minutes, including a key blocked shot during the Hoyas first-half run.

The Hoyas next return to Capital One Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 9. at 9 p.m., when they host St. John’s.

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

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