WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In the final minutes, with the outcome having been decided, the fans of favored Georgetown and underdog Belmont engaged in some of the witty college-student zeal and emotion that is the trademark of this tournament.
“Where is Belmont?” the Georgetown student section asked as their Hoyas were putting an 80-55 hurt on the Bruins.
“What’s a Hoya?” retorted the Belmont fans, who last year were blasted by another No. 2 seed from a power conference, UCLA, 78-44.
Do not expect such conviviality tomorrow when the Hoyas meet former Big East Conference member Boston College in a second round game in Joel Memorial Coliseum. The last time the Hoyas played the Eagles they suffered a 64-49 thrashing on Jan. 29, 2005, before BC bolted for the ACC.
“I played in that game so I remember it real well,” said Georgetown star forward Jeff Green. “They kicked our butt and we never got a chance to play them again. That leaves a bad taste.”
Apparently the NCAA tournament is for Cinderellas and second chances. The Hoyas (27-6), who pulled away from Belmont (23-10), get the rare chance to advance in the Big Dance, avenge a two-year-old loss, and gain revenge for being left at the altar.
“That whole situation I left to my president and our administrators,” said Georgetown coach John Thompson III. “That was my first year [at Georgetown] and their last year and, trust me, we had so many issues that we had to get in place and are still in the process of getting in place at Georgetown that we ignored the whole process of who’s leaving, who’s staying. I was worried about Georgetown.”
Yesterday, Thompson admitted he was afraid to play Belmont and the terror was palpable after less than five minutes and the Bruins ahead 11-4. But the Hoyas methodically took control, outscoring Belmont, 76-44 over the final 35 minutes.
Harlem native Jesse Sapp had a career-high 20 points on 4-of-6 shooting from behind the arc in Joel Memorial Coliseum. Sapp had struggled recently with his shot, but Thompson joked that he had warmed up Sapp’s hands before the game.
The Hoyas will have to come out with hot hands and more focus than it showed against Belmont. It should not b a difficult task. The Eagles’ move to the ACC almost tore the Big East apart.
While Thompson may have been terrified about facing Belmont, he certainly has to fear a rematch against an old foe.
“When they went to the ACC, I thought I wouldn’t have to see them except on TV,” Thompson said.
The Hoyas’ seniors, who are 0-3 against Boston College, know their former Big East brethren are from Chestnut Hill. Georgetown would like to send the Eagles packing.