Your Georgetown Hoyas have ignited a spark of genuine excitement across the District following a commanding 2-0 start to the 2025-26 campaign. After a gritty, statement-making victory over local rival Maryland in College Park, the Blue and Gray return to the comforts of Capital One Arena tonight to face the Binghamton Bearcats. A proverbial “trap game” ahead of Clemson coming on Saturday, Ed Cooley and the Hoyas need to handle business by maintaining their defensive strength and continuing the progress of finding better offensive flow.
Action tips off at 6:30 p.m. ET tonight inside Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Fans can stream the broadcast live on ESPN+ featuring Dan Kolko and Martin Bahar, or tune in to Team 980 and SiriusXM to hear the legendary Rich Chvotkin call the game.
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The atmosphere around the program feels different this November. Fans have witnessed steady progress under Ed Cooley, now in his third year at the helm. The road win against the Terrapins served as early proof that this roster may have the toughness required to compete at a high level.
Despite the positive energy, experienced members of the Georgetown faithful know that midweek non-conference matchups require focus. The “Trap Game.” The Hoyas enter this contest as heavy favorites, but complacency is the enemy of progress. They need this momentum heading into Clemson.
Binghamton arrives with a 1-2 record, having recently stumbled against Niagara. The Bearcats, however, possess a legitimate interior threat in Demetrius Lilley. The senior center is currently averaging a double-double (15.5 points, 13.5 rebounds) and ranks among the national leaders in rebounding. The Hoyas’ frontcourt, anchored by Vince Iwuchukwu and Julius Halaifonua, will need to limit Lilley’s second-chance opportunities (and their fouls) to prevent the visitors from hanging around.
The backcourt has been the engine driving this early success. Malik Mack was spectacular against Maryland, pouring in 19 points including three triples. His poise has been a stabilizing force for the offense.
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Joining him in the spotlight is KJ Lewis, whose physicality has been a problem for opponents. Lewis earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after averaging 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in the opening week.
Caleb Williams adds another layer of versatility; the sophomore forward is fresh off a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) and provides the defensive length needed to disrupt Binghamton’s rhythm on the wing.
What to Watch
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Improve Shooting at Home: This humble lunch-blog contributor knows—beyond any stats or metrics—that Georgetown often has trouble shooting in Capital One Arena. Luckily, opponents (and the Wizards) typically have that problem, too. Getting a quick start, some confidence, and adjusting to the sight lines ahead of the Clemson game on Saturday is vital.
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Defensive Intensity: Georgetown held Maryland to just 60 points. Maintaining that defensive pressure against a lower-tier opponent will show maturity.
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Rotation Management: With a deeper bench this year, look for Cooley to get minutes for reserves like Jeremiah Williams and Kayvaun Mulready if the starters handle business early.
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Local Connections: Binghamton features several DMV natives who will likely play with extra energy in front of friends and family.
A victory tonight would move Georgetown to 3-0, setting a strong foundation before the schedule stiffens later this month.
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In its last outing, Georgetown defeated the University of Maryland Terrapins, 70-60, on Friday night at XFINITY Center in College Park. Malik Mack led a trio of Hoyas in double figures with 19 points on five made baskets, including three triples and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line, adding eight rebounds and two steals.
KJ Lewis followed with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Caleb Williams notched his first double-double of the season with 14 points and a team-best 10 rebounds, also recording two blocks. Lewis was named to the first BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll of the 2025-26 season following a 2-0 week for the Hoyas. Lewis led the squad tallying 15.0 ppg on 47.4% (9-19) shooting from the floor. He grabbed a squad-best 7.0 rpg while he dished out 2.0 apg and managed 2.0 spg.
The Bearcats are coming off a 67-59 home loss to Niagara on Saturday. In that game, Binghamton saw a seven-point lead disappear in the closing 6:26 and the Bearcats were outscored 27-12 to end the game.
The loss spoiled another strong showing from senior center Demetrius Lilley, who produced 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Junior point guard Jeremiah Quigley scored all 16 of his points in the second half. Top scorer and rebounder Lilley has quickly positioned himself among the NCAA leaders in rebounding (15th) and double-doubles (2nd) one week into the season.
He also ranks 45th in the country in blocks (5). Lilley is averaging 15.5 points (3rd in AE) and 13.5 rebounds (1st) and has produced a double-double in both games he’s played this season (sat out RIT game).
Binghamton players Wes Peterson, Jr. (Alexandria, Va.), Bryson Wilson (Washington, D.C.) and Jeremiah Quigley (Accokeek, Md.) will be close to home at the Capital One Arena. All three played high school ball within 10 miles of the arena. Peterson (Bishop O’Connell) played 10 miles west at Bishop O’Connell in Arlington. Wilson (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes) was nine miles south in Alexandria and Quigley (Bishop McNamara) was nine miles southeast in Forrestville, Md.
Men’s Basketball Season Preview – Binghamton University Athletics | BINGHAMTONBEARCATS
The primary conduit for lowering the turnovers will be junior point guard Jeremiah Quigley, who transferred to Binghamton after stints at Iona and George Mason. His freshman season in the talent equivalent MAAC with the Gaels caught the eyes of Sanders and his staff. Quigley averaged 10.8 points (third on team), 3.3 assists (second) and made the MAAC All-Rookie Team.
“Jeremiah is super quick and can deliver the ball,” Sanders says. “He pushes the pace, can find the open man and make shots. And he can handle the pressure without turning it over. I believe he can be one of the better point guards in the conference.”
The addition of Quigley allows polished veteran Wes Peterson, Jr. to move to his more natural position on the wing. Due to injuries and a void at the point last season, Peterson had to spend time handling the ball. In conference play, he showed his value by averaging 10.3 points on 52 percent shooting and finished strong by scoring in double figures in 8-of-9 games down the stretch.
Sanders believes the position move will allow Peterson to flourish in his final collegiate season. “We are excited to have Wes on the wing,” he says. “He is very versatile and does so many things for us. I think he is poised for a big year.”
Georgetown seeks rare 3-0 start in clash with Binghamton | CBSSPORTS
Binghamton (1-2) begins a two-game road trip with its first-ever meeting with Georgetown. The Bearcats have been led early on by three newcomers averaging double figures in scoring. Demetrius Lilley transferred in from LaSalle and leads the team in both scoring (15.5) and rebounding (13.5). Lilley, who started his collegiate career at Penn State, has posted two double- doubles in as many appearances. Zyier Beverly (13.3 ppg) has acclimated nicely since joining coach Levell Sanders’ squad from the junior college ranks while Jeremiah Quigley (10.7 ppg) leads the team with 5.0 assists per game after coming over from George Mason. “They’re going to be big parts of what we try to do,” Sanders said of the newcomers. “They have to be better.”
