Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 4: Georgetown Downs ACC Champ Georgia Tech

March 23, 1985, #1 ranked Georgetown outlasts #14 Georgia Tech in Providence to return to the Final Four. In 1985 the Hoya fans were often spoiled. It was rare that we did not win a game by at least 30 points. The Big East set a record that year sending 3 teams to the Final Four. If Syracuse did not unexpectedly falter it could have been 4 teams. I had an uneasy feeling going into the Georgia Tech game, as I suspected we were looking forward to a third meeting at the Final Four with the #2 ranked St. John's Redmen. Georgia Tech had a young team led by sharpshooter Mark Price, and John "Spider" Salley. Neither team shot well from the outside. The YellowJackets spread the floor not allowing the Hoyas to start their vaunted fast break. John Salley used his mobility to make Patrick Ewing chase him all over the court. Early in the second half Patrick Ewing, and Michael Jackson got their 4th fouls. Georgia Tech then started to use up the clock. Luckily, Mark Price was only 3-16 from the field. David Wingate led the defense, smothering Price and not allowing him to get good looks from the field. Coach Thompson smartly used his bench, as Horace Broadnax, and Grady Mateen helped pull the Hoyas ahead. Indeed the famed Hoya defense won this game. As the team cut down the nets, the Heart Attack Hoyas looked relieved. I can still picture Patrick Ewing lying on the floor, looking up to the heavens! It was one of those games when you could hear John Thompson, and Red Auerbach telling the team that if they could shut down their opponent during the key stretches of the second half, they would win the game! The defending national champion Hoyas had survived to reach another Final Four and fight another day.

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing