Lewis’ Clutch Performance Silences Clemson, Keeps Georgetown’s Undefeated Streak Alive!

There’s an unmistakable buzz swirling through the air as the Georgetown Hoyas continue their flawless journey this season, flexing their muscle with a hard-fought 79-74 victory against the Clemson Tigers at home. Man, KJ Lewis was a force to be reckoned with — 26 points, 5 steals, and a tsunami of energy that lifted the team. Malik Mack orchestrated the offense slickly, dishing out 7 assists and dropping 16 points, while Caleb Williams and DeShawn Harris-Smith battled down low to snag those crucial rebounds. Off the bench, Vince Iwuchukwu came through clutch, sealing the deal with a smooth floater that had the crowd roaring. It wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. After a trip to College Park and a stunning win over Maryland, the Hoyas weren’t just looking to keep the unbeaten streak alive — they wanted to ignite the fanbase, give those students and supporters a reason to believe, to come back for more. This duel between two undefeated squads, both nipping at the edge of the national rankings, had all the makings of a classic. And boy, did Georgetown deliver, refusing to be anything but dominant on their home floor. LEARN MORE

Your UNDEFEATED Georgetown Hoyas took down the visiting Clemson Tigers today, 79-74, improving to 4-0 on the season. KJ Lewis dominated with 26 points, 5 steals, and a handful of rebounds. Malik Mack dropped 16 points while dishing out 7 assists. Caleb Williams had 13, while both he and DeShawn Harris-Smith both nabbed a half-dozen rebounds. Vince Iwuchukwu came in with 14 off the bench, including a floater to close the game. They were truly terrible hosts, and it was phenomenal to witness.

With multiple strong preseason showings and a 3-0 non-conference start, Georgetown faithful were looking for a sign. Both teams were in the “receiving votes” sections of the last weekly polls, both teams were undefeated, and the Tigers were sitting at 20 in the KenPom ratings. After taking down Maryland at College Park last week, the Hoyas were looking to prove something in front of a home crowd and give the students a reason to keep making the trek.

Caleb Williams swung the pendulum on the shooting with an early three. The Hoyas got three consecutive stops on the defensive end, including twice from Julius Halaifonua, whose name the announcing crew butchered spectacularly. KJ Lewis nailed some FTs, then also found Halaifonua who got a bucket through contact. More than two and a half minutes of play elapsed before Clemson got on the board.

A risky baseline drive into Clemson’s Godfrey by Isaiah Abraham drew a whistle, earning that Tiger his second quick foul. Georgetown led 8-6 at the first media break, though Clemson evened it up almost immediately as play resumed. It looked like Lewis was going to treat the crowd to a dunk, but it was rudely (if cleanly) blocked. While the teams were still separated by only a single basket, the Hoyas were sitting on the wrong end of a 7-0 run until Malik Mack knocked down a pair to tie things up once more.

Sloppy quick possessions at both ends ensued, until the Tigers hit a three, Georgetown reset their offense, and Caleb Williams answered with his own triple. Lewis hit another through double coverage as the shot clock expired, Clemson returned fire, and the generally chaotic style of play continued to dominate.

If Georgetown could improve on converting their forced turnovers or grab a few more rebounds — preferably both — their prospects would improve dramatically. The first three-basket advantage of the game for Clemson ensued, though the details were a bit sketchy as Peacock elected to show the view from a camera high up in the rafters. Georgetown trailed 27-22 at the U8.

Mack settled the offense while Lewis continued to try to create; the Hoyas pulled back within a pair before the Tigers got another triple. Lewis answered from beyond the arc. Vince Iwuchukwu drew two fouls (making three total from the stripe) while Clemson managed one basket across probably 10 combined possessions, and the Tigers stayed ahead 34-32 with 2:00 to go in the opening half.

A fortuitous out of bounds possession call gave it back to the Hoyas with 28.1 on the clock. Lewis put it up at the buzzer, but it bounced in & out. Georgetown went into the break down 36-33.

Two baskets from Iwuchukwu, free-throws from Lewis, and a triple from C. Williams were what the Hoyas needed to tie it up 42-42 at 17:45 coming out of intermission. A defensive rotation lapse looked like it was going to cost the Hoyas, but strong block from Abraham shut that down.

Iwuchukwu and Halaifonua both picked up their fourth fouls within seconds of one another, while Clemson notched a pair of buckets. A steal led into a one-hand breakaway jam for Lewis, delivering on what had been teased in the first half.

This was followed by a loooong two from Abraham, keeping the teams locked up, 48-48. A triple from Mack put Georgetown ahead for the first time since early in the opening half.

Halaifonua fouled out seconds later, temporarily forcing the Hoyas into an unorthodox-sized lineup with DeShawn Harris-Smith ostensibly playing center. (Editor’s History Lesson: In 2014 we won a game at Hinkle where John Caprio had to play Center, so things could be weirder.) A basket on one possession and freethrows on the next, and Lewis put Georgetown ahead 55-50 with just over 12 minutes to play.

Mack finished through contact, and while he missed the subsequent freethrow, Iwuchukwu was fouled going for the rebound and his shot extended the Hoyas’ advantage to 58-51. C. Williams extended it by two more. Meanwhile, Clemson endured several minutes without a field goal before finally breaking through.

A pair of foul shots from Mack put the Hoyas briefly ahead by 10; Clemson quickly answered and Georgetown took a 64-56 lead unto the under-8 commercial break.An uncharacteristic glitch from Mack in fouling a three-point shooter opened the door for Clemson, as they converted all three then scored four more unanswered. The Hoyas’ lead had shrunken to 66-63.

Quick hands from Lewis forced a steal, then he took it up the floor himself for a well-calculated basket. A triple from Clemson prevented the true momentum swing. This one headed into the U4 with Georgetown up 68-66 and awaiting a pair of free throws from DHS (he made both).

Mack found Iwuchukwu who ran the baseline and was waiting ABOVE THE RIM for the slam.

Another steal by Lewis saw him drive and finish, plus sink the foul shot. What had looked and felt dangerously close and far too familiar mere seconds earlier, miraculously became a 75-68 advantage. Getting the roll on the following possession, Lewis added two more for the Hoyas, but the Tigers clawed their way back with a quick three-pointer. 77-71 Georgetown, with 1:20 remaining.

C. Williams hit iron, Clemson hit another three, and Ed Cooley signaled for a timeout with his team ahead by three. Mack dribbled it out through most of the shot clock, finally finding Iwuchukwu in the high paint who nailed a clean floater, which would be the final bucket of a sweet, sweet victory.

KJ Lewis was huge across multiple vectors, particularly his disruptive steals. Mack facilitated well. Iwuchukwu was in double-digits off the bench, and more impressively, did not foul out despite getting called for his 4th less than four minutes into the second half. If he had not been on the floor, he couldn’t have been in position to seal the game (and then celebrate with the student section, as he should).

The program has been waiting for this. So have the fans. Hoyas win.