DSR punctuated clutch performance

November 27, 2014 - In a game that had a reported 18 lead changes, Georgetown outlasted Florida for an 66-65 overtime win in Battle 4 Atlantis first round action. The contest, a physical, hard fought affair leaves the Hoyas now 4-0 on the season and facing Wisconsin, the nation's second or third ranked team tomorrow at 3:30p.

G'Town and the game were led in scoring by junior guard D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, who shook early season shooting woes (7-22 overall, 3-13 from three coming into Wednesday night)t o score 17 points for John Thompson III's team. Tonight he was 7-14 from the field, though he did finish 0-5 from beyond the arch.

It made no difference in the clutch; Smith-Rivera scored the team's last seven points in regulation, including five free throws. Overtime saw the game's biggest shot from him with five seconds remaining on the clock, a top of the key, clinching jumper just inside the three point arch.

Joining him in bonus time heroics were a pair of freshmen, Paul White and L.J. Peak. The latter's three pointer gave Georgetown a 64-62 advantage, while around a minute and a half earlier the former sank his own three ball, adding a foul shot over forty seconds later.

A Smith-Rivera layup along with senior center Joshua Smith's layup (assisted by Smith-Rivera) rounded Georgetown's overtime scoring.

White followed Smith-Rivera in double figure scoring at 10 points, adding five rebounds, three steals, and a heady play during the team's last possession in OT, when he pushed the ball up under pressure before finding Smith-Rivera for his game winning shot. Senior swingman Jabril Trawick joined White in scoring, also pulling down six rebounds.

The Hoyas managed 49% from the field, despite connecting on only 23.1% (3-13) on long balls. Senior forward Mikael Hopkins and Smith buttressed the Blue and Grey's shooting, going 4-6 and 3-5 from the field, respectively. Both finished with eight points, as did freshman swingman L.J. Peak, who also defended solidly throughout.

Hopkins equaled Trawick's team leading carom number. Smith had two rebounds for Georgetown, which pulled down two less boards than Florida (2-2, ranked 18/16). The Gators struggled more than G'Town from the field, finishing 35.9% from the floor and 26.1% on beyond the arc shots.

Junior forward Dorian Finney-Smith led head coach Billy Donovan's team with 16 points, also adding six rebounds, despite a hurt hand. Junior guard Michael Frazier notched 12 points for UF, with senior center Jon Horford finishing with 10 points and a game high 11 boards.

UF takes on UAB tomorrow at 930P EST. Donovan's bunch would be well suited against the Blazers if previously struggling sophomore guard Kasey Hill (eight points, including a clutch and-one layup with 12 seconds in overtime) plays like he did tonight down the stretch.

In facing Wisconsin, Thompson's guys will compete against one of the biggest teams in college basketball, that's also very skilled. For observations on the Badgers and what G'Town should do against them, see Premium Court.

The game is televised by the ESPN family of outlets.