Georgetown’s hot shooting continued Friday during their 74-59 win over Wofford, but much of that occurred inside the three-point line.
With the victory, Georgetown, which attempted a season-low eight three-pointers, shot 57.1 percent from the field and never trailed, advances to the championship game of the Charleston Classic against the winner of N.C. State and George Mason.
Coming off two wins fueled by their outside shooting, the Hoyas did most of their work in the paint and at the free-throw line. Senior forward Julian Vaughn had his second straight standout performance and first double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while junior center Henry Sims played strongly coming off the bench, chipping in six points and five boards. Against the undersized Terriers, Georgetown dominated the glass to the tune of 32-16.
The starting backcourt of seniors Austin Freeman and Chris Wright and junior Jason Clark had another productive afternoon – while Clark (eight points on 2-of-3 shooting) was quiet, Freeman (14 points, three assists) played efficiently and was able to get to the line, and Wright (18 points, five assists, five rebounds, three steals) continued to share the basketball. Sophomore forward Hollis Thompson did not miss from the floor and converted 3-of-4 free throws on his way to nine points.
The Hoyas showed more progress in honing a well-rounded offensive game, but turnovers persisted and provided Wofford opportunities to get back in the contest. Leading 37-24 at the break, Georgetown (14 turnovers) found itself leading just 50-45 with 9:48 to play after a Jamar Diggs three-pointer. But spurred by an easy Sims layup on a dish from Wright, the Hoyas went on a 9-0 run to pull away for good.
After shooting poorly in the first half, Wofford (8-of-21 from three) got into a rhythm from downtown in the second period, but Georgetown collared the Terriers on the defensive end. While they have not faced a team with a notable inside presence, the Hoyas turned in another quality early-season defensive performance. Vaughn, Sims and sophomore forward Jerrelle Benimon helped hold Wofford to 9-of-29 on its two-point field goals.
Forward Noah Dahlman and guard Brad Loesing combined for 33 points in a losing effort and did all they could to keep Wofford in the game. But when it seemed the Terriers were poised to make a serious run at the lead, the Hoyas came up with a big shot or a big rebound to maintain their stranglehold on the game – something they have done in each of their four wins. Sims’ layup was one occasion, and minutes before that, with Wofford within five at 46-41, Wright knocked down a three-pointer to keep the Terriers at bay.
Georgetown will tip off in the tournament championship game at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.