The Georgetown University men’s basketball team (2-0, 0-0 Big East) was propelled to victory by its seniors on Tuesday as the Hoyas defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (1-1, 0-0 Southland) 78-62 at Verizon Center. Senior forward Aaron Bowen and senior center Joshua Smith scored a combined 33 points, proving to be the decisive factors in a contest that was uneasily close in the first half.
With the scored tied at 34-34 entering halftime, the Hoyas opened play with a 21-11 run in the first eight minutes of the frame to put the game out of reach. Bowen’s offensive and defensive contribution stemmed the first half momentum built up by the Islanders. The Jacksonville native brought an intensity to the Hoyas that they lacked in the opening minutes of the contest. This energy lifted the Hoyas in the second half, as the Blue and Gray offense shot 55 percent from the field in the frame, while forcing 11 Islander turnovers on defense.
“I am just doing my job,” said Bowen. “[Head Coach John Thompson III] tells me that every time I touch the court just to play with energy and I feel that that’s what I did.”
Bowen wasn’t the only senior star of the night. After a disappointing season debut against St. Francis, pulling down only two rebounds, Smith was force to be reckoned with in the low post, converting 8-of-12 field goal attempts, as well as racking up double-digit rebounds for the first time in his Georgetown career.
“[His performance] was better. His effort level was much, much better today,” said Thompson. “If Josh plays with that intensity and effort and that energy, that should happen every time.”
Smith is considered key to the Hoyas’ success this season. However, consistency has been an issue for the Georgetown big man during his time on the Hilltop. If he can continue to put up numbers like he did against Texas A&M, he will play a major role in any success the Hoyas enjoy this season.
The Hoyas will look to build on their two-game winning streak when they face Robert Morris (0-2, 0-0 NEC) this Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at Verizon Center.
Photo by Noah Buyon
