Georgetown Hoyas vs Ualbany Great Danes Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Hoyas Tuning Up Before December Gauntlet

Before Georgetown plunges into a December stretch packed with power conference challenges, the Hoyas (5-1) will host the Albany Great Danes (5-2) on Saturday in Washington, D.C. in the first-ever meeting between the programs.

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After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, Georgetown has shown early signs of revival under head coach Ed Cooley. Powered by standout freshman Thomas Sorber and impact transfers Micah Peavy (TCU) and Malik Mack (Harvard), the Hoyas have strung together three straight decisive victories.

Sorber leads Georgetown in points (14.8), rebounds (8.3) and blocks (1.8) per game, asserting himself quickly as the team’s centerpiece. Mack has embraced a facilitator role, dishing a team-best 4.2 assists per game, while Peavy is offering a blend of perimeter defense and 3-point shooting, knocking down 44 percent of his attempts from deep.

On Tuesday, the Hoyas delivered arguably their most complete performance of the season with a 66-41 thrashing of Wagner. Georgetown limited the Seahawks to just 28 percent shooting and converted 18 forced turnovers into 22 points.

“Wagner is an older team than us and they are a really well-coached and experienced team,” Cooley said. “I was really proud of our men and the way that we defended with a purpose.”

Albany Seeks to Regain Momentum

Albany arrives after posting a 2-1 mark at the Puerto Rico Clasico but saw its five-game winning streak snapped in an 81-77 loss to American on Sunday. Defensive struggles plagued the Great Danes, who allowed American to shoot 64.4 percent from the floor and 56.3 percent from three-point range.

“I just didn’t think we were as competitive as we could be, which is inexcusable for a group that I think can be a conference champion,” Albany coach Dwayne Killings said.

Leading Albany’s attack are Amar’e Marshall (39 points, nine assists over the three games in Puerto Rico), Byron Joshua (37 points, nine assists, nine steals) and Justin Neely (36 points, 18 rebounds). That trio will need to produce at a high level to match Georgetown’s improving defensive intensity.

What to Expect

This game offers Georgetown a final tune-up before facing a daunting December schedule. For Albany, it’s an opportunity to regroup and make a statement against a rising Big East program. Georgetown’s defensive dominance could be the deciding factor if they bring the same energy they showed earlier this week.

With both teams trending toward strong seasons, this matchup is an intriguing one for fans and bettors watching NCAAB Expert Picks this weekend.