Georgetown Hoyas vs Miami Hurricanes Picks and Predictions November 28th 2025

Game Preview: Georgetown Hoyas vs Miami Hurricanes

The third-place game of the ESPN Events Invitational features the Georgetown Hoyas and Miami Hurricanes on Friday evening in Kissimmee, Fla. Both teams dropped their opening matchups Thursday, but each showed flashes that should make this neutral-site meeting a compelling contrast in tempo, perimeter scoring and defensive pressure. Miami enters 5-2 after falling 72-62 to BYU, while Georgetown is 5-1 following an 84-79 overtime loss to Dayton.

Miami held a 33-29 halftime lead Thursday before BYU’s Keba Keita took over, blocking seven shots — six in the second half — and altering the Hurricanes’ offensive rhythm. Miami coach Jai Lucas acknowledged the large impact shot-blocking had in shifting momentum, as the Cougars used a 10-0 run fueled by rim protection to take control.

Georgetown’s loss followed a different trajectory. The Hoyas trailed Dayton by 15 in the first half and 14 with under six minutes remaining before erupting on a 16-2 run to force overtime. Malik Mack scored a season-high 24 points, but his off-balance, potential tying three in OT fell short. Coach Ed Cooley voiced frustration afterward, citing lack of discipline and toughness. Still, the Hoyas showcased late-game resilience and continue to develop internal depth, a theme visible throughout the NCAAB previews hub and relevant heading into Friday’s matchup.

This neutral-court environment offers a fresh test for both programs as they look to exit the tournament with a needed win.

Odds and Key Information

Miami opens as a 4.5-point favorite, reflecting overall efficiency metrics and a deeper scoring profile. Georgetown’s 5-1 start has earned market respect, but the Hurricanes’ top-tier shooting has driven early attention on the favorite. Bettors diving into the wider slate through the college basketball odds board will note that both teams trend toward high-possession games, contributing to an elevated total of 154.5.

Miami Hurricanes Outlook

Miami’s offense remains its defining strength. The Hurricanes enter averaging 92.2 points per game, ranking in the top 30 nationally. Their 53.0 percent shooting mark — ninth in the country — reflects a lineup built on spacing, driving lanes and strong shot selection. Malik Reneau posted 14 points and nine boards against BYU, while Shelton Henderson and Tre Donaldson combined for 25. Their multi-level scoring fits closely with the pace models outlined across the NCAAB team index.

One concern entering Friday is interior finishing. Keita’s seven blocks exposed Miami’s vulnerability when forced into contested paint attempts. Georgetown does not possess similar rim-protection, which could swing this matchup back toward Miami’s strengths. The Hurricanes have also excelled in games where they can dictate tempo; they are 3-0 straight up as favorites and have covered two-thirds of those contests.

Defensively, Miami must tighten ball-screen coverage after surrendering multiple late-clock drives against BYU. Their perimeter defense has been streaky, but Georgetown’s offense leans heavily on individual creation, giving Miami the chance to contain without overhelping. Maintaining shot discipline and limiting unnecessary rotations will be crucial.

Miami’s depth and pace-driven style align with high-total contests frequently reviewed on the college basketball picks page, and their offensive efficiency remains one of the cleanest indicators of success heading into tournament play.

Georgetown Hoyas Outlook

Georgetown’s narrow loss to Dayton was equal parts encouraging and frustrating. Mack’s 24-point performance reinforced his central role, while KJ Lewis posted 19 points before fouling out late. Julius Halaifonua’s 16 points on 70 percent shooting added interior support, marking one of the Hoyas’ more efficient offensive showings of the season.

Georgetown enters averaging 82.2 points per game and ranks seventh nationally in free throws made — a critical factor in close games. Their ability to pressure defenses, draw fouls and cash in at the line has kept them competitive even against more efficient offenses. Late-game execution, however, remains inconsistent. Cooley’s comments regarding toughness and emotional output reflect an ongoing effort to create a stronger in-game identity.

Defensively, Georgetown must improve ball pressure. Allowing Butler and Dayton significant spacing at the arc and in mid-range mirrors early-season lapses the Hoyas are still working to correct. Their rotations tend to flatten late in games and they can be susceptible to dribble penetration — areas Miami’s guards can exploit.

To win, Georgetown must force Miami into inefficient possessions, reduce live-ball turnovers and maintain composure in transition. Their overall development places them firmly within the mid-tier of efficiency rankings monitored on the NCAAB previews portal, but this matchup emphasizes attention to late-clock execution and defensive discipline.

Key Matchup Table

Category	Georgetown Hoyas	Miami Hurricanes
Record	5-1	5-2
Offensive Strength	82.2 PPG; strong FT conversion	92.2 PPG; 53% FG shooting
Key Scorers	Mack 24 last game; Lewis 19	Reneau 14 vs BYU; Henderson/Donaldson 25
Defensive Focus	Improve rotations and pressure	Strengthen rim finishing; ball-screen defense
Tempo Profile	Balanced but inconsistent	Fast-paced, high-efficiency offense
Intangibles	Resilience shown in comeback vs Dayton	Seeking bounce-back after blocked shots spree

Betting Trends

Miami has thrived as a favorite, posting a perfect straight-up record in that role. Their offensive efficiency drives most of their spread success, supported by strong early-game scoring surges. Georgetown enters with a 5-1 record straight up and a 2-1 mark as an underdog, giving bettors a competitive counterpoint to Miami’s efficiency profile.

Totals bettors have shown consistent interest in overs involving both teams due to pace and volume scoring. Miami’s games frequently feature explosive first-half scoring, while Georgetown’s foul-drawing ability contributes to elevated late-game totals. These tendencies, evaluated frequently on the college basketball odds board, align with this matchup’s high posted total.

The Lean

Miami’s efficiency, scoring balance and shot-quality metrics create a clear projection edge. Georgetown’s late push against Dayton showed resiliency, but inconsistent defensive stops and foul trouble complicate their probability of covering. Miami should find more comfort against a Hoyas team without an elite rim protector, leading to higher shot quality and strong interior scoring.

Projected Score: Miami 88, Georgetown 82
Best Spread Pick: Miami -4.5
Total Lean: Over 154.5

Late-tournament neutral-site environments often favor teams with cleaner offensive structures, which aligns with trends highlighted in the NCAAB previews hub.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Tournament settings often introduce added volatility due to fatigue, neutral floors and short turnarounds. This creates value pockets that sharp bettors track via the Handicappers Leaderboard, particularly in games featuring pace-driven offenses like Miami and Georgetown. Experts identify matchups where efficiency discrepancies outweigh simple scoring averages, offering an analytical edge in contested spreads.

For bettors refining forecasting strategies, the expert betting guide provides tools applicable across college hoops, from shot-quality breakdowns to pace modeling — crucial factors in taking positions on games like this one.