Hoyas Struggle Against "Lowly" Towson

In helping our SBN fellows over at Casual Hoya preview this game, we talked about the potential for an emotional game for former Georgetown recruit Jerrelle Benimon, and how he would want to prove himself against his ex-team. We also talked about how anything beyond that would be a struggle for Towson, a team who already had more wins through eight games than they did all last season.

Well, we got it half right. Benimon definitely showed up: he only attempted six shots all game, but still made his way to a double-double, thanks in large part to 16 rebounds - with six of those coming in the first half along with two blocks and a steal.

All that led to a first half where, after a layup with 44 seconds left, Georgetown only led for a total of 90 seconds out of the first 20 minutes. The second half was just as close, and Benimon's lone 3-point attempt (and make) cut the score to 42-40 Georgetown with 4:27 left to play.

That was as close as it got though, as the Tigers only managed three shots the rest of the way and missed them all. Granted, this close game was just as much about Georgetown's difficulties with playing down to their opponents and a messy offensive performance (30% FG, 2-for-16 3PT) that wasn't just great Towson defense.

I realize that Towson has come pretty far since last season (partly since there's nowhere to go but up when you win one game), but today showed their potential - Benimon is a serious threat (today makes 53 points and 42 rebounds in his last three games). If he can just get some consistent, efficient secondary scoring production - guards Jerome Hairston and Mike Burwell both average almost 10 ppg despite shooting less than 39 percent on field goals - they might be able to make some serious noise in what is an admittedly weak Colonial this season.