Game:   (789) Texas  (4-0) vs. (790) Georgetown (3-1) 
Time:     Thurs. 11/21  7:00 PM EST at Madison Square Garden
Spread: Texas -4 
Total:     142.5  
Odds from:  5Dimes Sportsbook 

The 2k Empire Classic begins with undefeated #22 Texas Longhorns play the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden. The Longhorns won their last game out against Prairie View A&M 70-56 last Friday while the Hoyas beat Georgia State 91-83 on Sunday. These teams haven’t faced each other since 2012 both with completely new teams and coaching staff.

TEXAS LONGHORNS

The Longhorns come into this game ranked #22 in the nation, averaging 69 PPG while only giving up 55 points per game. They are getting it done by shooting 45% FG with 29% from the 3.  Texas is struggling a bit with handling the ball having an average of 14 turnovers a game.  The Longhorns are forcing 16 turnovers and getting 8 steals per game which is helping their defense turn to quick offensive points.  

Leading the Longhorns offensively is junior guard Matt Coleman III who is averaging 14.5 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Andrew Jones is averaging 13.3 points per game and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 39.1% from three.  Jericho Sims is averaging 7.3 points with a team-high 7.3 rebounds.

GEORGETOWN HOYAS

The Hoyas have been scoring a lot of points with 81 points per game but giving up 77 PPG. They are shooting 43% from the field and 31% from 3 point land. Hoyas are allowing 44% shooting and a large 38% from 3.  Georgetown is committing over 16 turnovers a game.

The Hoyas have a leader in senior center Omer Yurtseven who is averaging a team-high 17.0 points per game along with a team-high 12.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. However, he also adds 3.5 turnovers per game.

SUMMARY

Texas has shown in their performances so far this year that they are worth their value as a ranked team. Texas will use its small lineup to create mismatches offensively while also cause havoc for turnover-prone Georgetown team who ranks 287th in turnovers per game.  The Hoyas have struggled so far this year and are 0-4 ATS. Georgetown has failed to cover the number in 4 of its last 5 versus an opponent with a winning record straight up, each of their last 5 played on a neutral court.

TRENDS

• Under is 13-4 in TEXAS last 17 Thu. games.
• Under is 9-3 in TEXAS last 12 overall.
• TEXAS is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big East.
• Hoyas are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Hoyas are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
• Longhorns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.

Data Analysis:   Texas -4 / Under 142.5
Fade the Public:   Georgetown +4 / Over 142.5
Sharp Action:  no data / no data