Big O Needed Against Oregon

With thanks to the GEICO marketing department -- a sponsor of Georgetown Athletics -- I'd like to sum up my feelings so easily, a caveman could do it:

"I'd like the roast duck, with the mango salsa".

Following an historic night for the young Hoyas against Ball State -- a night which saw the return of Ronny Thompson, a night that saw the 1000th game called by "Radio Rich" Chvotkin, and a night where the Hoyas played pretty well -- the young team must complete a difficult task. It must play an undefeated team from a major conference on two days rest. A team which is perimeter-oriented and well-rested. And a team hungry for revenge after having its home-court non-conference streak broken by the Hoyas last year. Yes, this Oregon team is dangerous, especially for a developing young Hoyas squad still missing its lead guard and co-captain, Tyler Crawford (to whom the Blog wishes a speedy recovery).

But our Hoyas can handle it.

Consider that some of the Hoyas' best moments over the last 3 seasons have come under duress:

-Big East Tournament, 2005: The Hoyas draw UConn, who beat us twice by an average of 19 points that year. We lose in a close heartbreaker with a chance to win at the buzzer.

-Duke, 2006: Just days after barely eeking out a win over winless South Florida, the Hoyas take on undefeated and #1-ranked Duke, setting a record for points scored for a JTIII-coached team, scoring a program-building win.

-Big East Tournament, 2006: Just days after losing to previously winless South Florida, the Hoyas cement their position with tough, gritty wins over Notre Dame and Marquette.

-Vanderbilt, 2006: The Hoyas break the 12-game season home opener win streak by the Commodores in convincing fashion.

Our guys may be young, but they are tough.

This game is being broadcast on the enigmatic web-available ESPN 360; radio call by Dr. Chvotkin on AM-980. Tickets are still available-find a way. Get to the game and give our tired Hoyas some fresh legs by your presence and your support. A win over Oregon will be huge for the conference and our Hoyas- so get out there and make like it's March, Hoya fans!

Steve Thomas (F'97, G'01)