Countdown to MM Week 6: Pat Ewing, Jr blocks WVU Mountaineers

It is a long bus ride to Morgantown, West Virginia. On January 26, 2008 I took that bus trip to see the Hoyas face West Virginia with many of the Hoya Hoop Club faithful. I remember the bus driver getting lost when we got to Morgantown, and knowing we were in for a long evening. Much of the game was uneventful, as the Hoyas struggled against the Mountaineer offense. I knew after seeing WVU play in Birmingham earlier that year, bob Huggins' team would be a force in the Big East. Freshman sensation Joe Alexander played with unbelievable poise, and athleticism for a first year player. It was not until Pat Ewing Jr. entered the game, and got inside Joe Alexander's shirt did the Hoyas start making a comeback. His defense reminded me of former Hoyas Gene Smith, and Mike Riley as he was relentless.

At the two minute mark Jessie "NYC" Sapp had one of the great offensive outputs by a Hoya in recent memory as he scored at will from inside and outside. His NBA 3-ptr from the top of the key put Georgetown up by a point with only a few seconds left. The Hoya players were pumped. I was very concerned that the Mountaineers would get a good shot off before the buzzer. They passed the ball in, and one of their players drove the length of the court. It was apparent that he would get a good shot off before the buzzer. Then I was in shock as he turned the corner on the baseline, driving the lane for a layup. In one of the greatest blocks in Georgetown basketball history, Pat Ewing Jr. came out of nowhere and swatted the shot away. It appeared to me as if he blocked the shot just as it hit its peak. The crowd was stunned as the referees reviewed the instant replay. After a long minute, the block was called good and the Hoyas raced off the floor. I remember running back to the bus, and the happy HHC members as we took the long bus ride back to Georgetown. Thanks Pat, and the Hoyas for the memories!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing