Team USA, proudly represented by your Georgetown Hoyas, made a powerful statement in their opening game of the GLOBL JAM tournament, dismantling the Japanese national team in a commanding 88-53 victory on Wednesday afternoon. From the opening tip at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Coach Ed Cooley’s squad revealed a potent blend of physical dominance, defensive intensity, and selfless ball movement that left their opponents struggling to keep pace. While the game was not televised, there were glimpses from the box score, play-by-play, and some live video via Caleb Williams’ father.
The tone for the game was set early and decisively. The Hoyas exploded out of the gate, establishing a formidable 52-25 lead by halftime. This wasn’t a game that was ever in doubt; it was a 40-minute clinic on how to control a basketball game on both ends of the floor.
The second half started with a 12-0 run from Georgetown and finished with a comfortable fourth quarter where the bench saw playing time.
Advertisement
The final score of 88-53 reflected a performance that should put the rest of the tournament field on notice.
The Darris Harris-Smith Show
While the victory was a complete team effort, the day belonged to sophomore guard Darris Harris-Smith. In a performance that showcased his all-around brilliance and immense value to this Hoyas roster, Harris-Smith flirted with a triple-double, finishing with a masterful stat line of 19 points (8-11 FG), 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals in just under 32 minutes of play.
Harris-Smith was the engine that drove the Hoyas’ attack. He was remarkably efficient, shooting an impressive 8 for 11 from the field. Whether he was driving to the basket for a score, finding open teammates, or crashing the defensive glass, he consistently looked to be the most active player on the court.
A Story Told by the Numbers
A look at the final team statistics reveals the anatomy of this dominant performance. The most glaring disparity came from inside the arc, where Georgetown’s size and athleticism were simply overwhelming.
Advertisement
-
Dominance in the Paint: The Hoyas outscored Japan 52-14 in the paint. This staggering 38-point advantage was the central theme of the game. They consistently attacked the rim, leading to high-percentage shots.
-
Shooting Efficiency: This interior dominance resulted in a highly efficient offensive outing. The Hoyas shot 55% from the field (36/65) and an even better 65% on two-point attempts (30/46). In stark contrast, Japan struggled against Georgetown’s length and defensive pressure, shooting just 30% from the field (19/63) and 23% from beyond the arc (9/38).
-
Defensive Tenacity Creates Offense: Georgetown’s defense was suffocating. They forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 28 points. They also controlled the transition game, outscoring Japan 21-5 in fast-break points. This ability to turn defensive stops into quick, easy baskets prevented Japan from ever settling into an offensive rhythm.
-
Controlling the Glass: The Hoyas won the rebounding battle 42-31, limiting Japan’s second-chance opportunities and securing possessions to fuel their own attack.
The ball movement was another bright spot.
The team registered 24 assists on 36 made field goals, a testament to the unselfish, team-first brand of basketball that Cooley is instilling.
A Balanced and Potent Attack
Beyond Harris-Smith’s heroics, this was a truly balanced victory with key contributions from across the roster. Five Hoyas scored in double figures, showcasing the depth of their offensive talent.
Malik Mack (game captain) was the steady hand at point guard, orchestrating the offense with poise. He finished with 11 points and 5 assists while impressively committing only one turnover.
The frontcourt asserted its will all afternoon. Center/forward Julius Halaifonua was exceptionally efficient, scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Forward Isaiah Abraham added 10 points and 2 blocks, providing a strong interior presence. The fifth starter, Caleb Williams, had 8 points on 3-7 FG (2-5 3PT), but was +40 in the +/- column.
Off the bench, Jayden Fort was a significant spark plug, pouring in 10 points in 23 minutes of action. Prized transfer center Vince Iwuchukwu (7 points, 3-13 FG) made his presence felt on the defensive end, grabbing 6 rebounds and leading the team with 2 blocks.
A Strong First Impression
This victory serves as a fantastic start to the Hoyas’ international competition in Canada. While it is just one game, the cohesion, defensive identity, and offensive execution on display were all incredibly positive signs.
From what fans saw, the team played with a purpose and an edge that bodes well not only for the remainder of the GLOBL JAM but for the upcoming NCAA season.
Advertisement
This was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. The Hoyas demonstrated that they are a physical, long, and talented group ready to embrace the system and culture being built by Cooley.
They will look to carry this momentum forward as the tournament continues with a 6PM game (ESPN+) against Canada on Thursday.
