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DePaul ends futility against Georgetown and Hoyas' slim tournament hopes, too

Georgetown hasn’t missed the NCAA tournament since 2009 but that streak is dead after the Hoyas lost to DePaul 60-56 for the first time since 1994 Wednesday night in the Big East tournament.

It’s the second straight season Georgetown’s season has ended in a massive heap of disappointment. Last year the Hoyas were victimized by Florida Gulf Coast in the first round of the NCAA tournament in one of the rare wins by a No. 15 seed over a No. 2 seed.

But at least that loss came in the tournament.

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The Hoyas just weren’t nearly the same team this season even though four starters from last season’s NCAA tournament game were back and started against DePaul on Wednesday. Markel Starks and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera combined for combined for 38 points. Seven other Hoyas combined for 18.

Georgtown did beat some good opponents this season such as Creighton, Michigan State, VCU and Kansas State which makes performances like Wednesday’s outing all the more confounding. It also lost twice to Seton Hall and once to Northeastern doing serious damage to its RPI.

Georgetown was going to need a deep run in the conference tournament and maybe even a tournament title to earn a spot in the 68 team field this year considering it already had lost 13 games prior to losing to Wednesday. Few expected that to happen, but even fewer expected the Hoyas to lose to DePaul.

Even DePaul coach Oliver Purnell seemed surprised by the turn of events during his postgame interview with Fox Sports. He was asked what he planned to say to his team postgame.

“Just believe and have the same preparation,” Purnell said. “We said we wanted to stay here for awhile. Let’s stay here a little longer.”

DePaul will face No. 2 seed Creighton on Thursday.

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Kyle Ringo

is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!