Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
After being up by double-digits for most of the game tonight, the game result came down to a set of free-throws missed by the Hoyas a missed three at the buzzer that had the Musketeers escape Capital One Arena with an 80-77 victory and another disappointing loss for the Hoyas.
Tonight’s game will not only be remembered for those games under Ed Cooley that could have been a huge win and back-to-back Big East victories for Cooley and the Hoyas, however it was marred by a water bottle incident at the end of the game and the Hoyas searching for answers as to how they can make a mark in this conference going forward.
Malik Mack finished with 21 points for the Hoyas (8-4, 1-1). Julius Halaifonua added 19 points and two blocks for Georgetown. KJ Lewis also had 15 points and six rebounds.
The Hoyas had a tough time stopping Tre Carroll in the second half and he had his way late in the game finishing with 22 points.
Roddie Anderson III gave Xavier all they really needed off a KJ Lewis foul with 10 seconds remaining putting them up 80-77.
Mack gave the Hoyas one more chance off the two missed free throws by Jeremiah Williams, but his leaning contested three-pointer fell short, ending what was one of the better offensive games so far this season for the Hoyas.
Looking back at a game that the Hoyas should have won from the jump, there are quite a few things that stood out that needs to change and that is the free throw shooting for the Hoyas. Xavier entered this game as a +181 to win, so even the odds makers didn’t think that Pitino and his squad had a chance. Well, that was until the Hoyas shot 25 for 43 for the game from the line. 58 percent and going to the line 43 times won’t win you a game in any conference.
