Bring on the Hoyas

Georgetown came back from the dead Sunday afternoon against North Carolina, erasing a ten point deficit in the closing minutes of regulation to force overtime. The Hoyas then routed the Tar Heels in the extra session, 96-85. The Final Four appearance is the first for Georgetown since Patrick Ewing led them to the championship game in 1985. They were upset by Rollie Massimino's Villanova squad, who they had already defeated twice that season.

But enough Big East history. Georgetown will take on Ohio State in Final Four, setting up a rematch from last year's tournament. The Hoyas defeated Ohio State last year in the second round, 70-52. But that Ohio State team, depsite winning the Big Ten regular season crown, had little frontcourt size. Terence Dials played center a 6'9", and both starting forwards, Matt Sylvester and J.J. Sullinger, were perimeter/wing players. When the brackets were announced, it was clear that #2 seeded Ohio State had received a rough second round draw. Georgetown thoroughly dominated the game, with Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green combingin for 39 points.

Hibbert will not find the post so friendly this time around, as he will be matched against Big Ten freshman of the year Greg Oden. The Buckeyes also have Othello Hunter off the bench to help with interior defense against Georgetown's tall lineup. The matchup will be interesting for Oden, who hasn't faced a center of Hibbert's quality yet this season. Both players have struggled with fould trouble in the tournament, and the player than can remain on the court may determine the winner. Both the Buckeyes and Hoyas have rallied from large deficits in order to advance, with Georgetown mounting comebacks against Boston College, Vanderbilt and North Carolina.

Tip is scheduled for 6:07pm eastern on Saturday. Check back this week for additional commentary and updates on the Buckeyes chances.