Butler defeats Georgetown 89-93

The Butler Bulldogs pulled off a stunning 93-89 upset over the Georgetown Hoyas at the Capital One Arena, snapping their five-game losing streak and handing Georgetown their 13th loss of the season. Butler's Finley Bizjack led the charge with 19 points and 6 assists, while Michael Ajayi and Jamie Kaiser Jr. chipped in with 16 points each. Georgetown, on the other hand, was paced by Caleb Williams' 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 54-45 deficit at halftime. The Hoyas had been trending upwards, averaging 74.2 points per game over their last 5 contests, but Butler's high-powered offense proved too much to handle.

Butler's 54-point first half was a far cry from their recent struggles, where they averaged just 66.4 points per game over their last 5 outings. In fact, they had lost all 5 of those games, including a 77-64 defeat at the hands of Georgetown just a few weeks ago. However, they seemed to have turned a corner, with Bizjack and Ajayi leading the charge. The duo combined for 35 points and 11 assists, and their chemistry on the court was evident as they consistently found each other for easy baskets. Georgetown, on the other hand, struggled to contain them, and their defense was exposed for 93 points, the most they've allowed in a game all season.

Butler's star performers were the difference-makers in this game, with Bizjack and Ajayi hitting big shots and making clutch plays late. Bizjack's 6 assists were a reflection of his court vision, and Ajayi's 8 rebounds were crucial in limiting Georgetown's second-chance opportunities. Georgetown's Caleb Williams, on the other hand, was quiet in the second half, scoring just 4 points after a 12-point first half. KJ Lewis and Julius Halaifonua chipped in with 15 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Butler's bench also outscored Georgetown's 23-15, with 12 of those points coming from Kaiser Jr.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. However, Butler's 9-0 run midway through the first half gave them a 28-18 lead, and they never looked back. Georgetown did manage to cut the deficit to 5 points with just over a minute remaining, but Butler's free throw shooting sealed the deal. The Bulldogs shot 78.9% from the line, including 10-12 in the final 2 minutes. Georgetown, on the other hand, struggled from the line, shooting just 64.3%. This was a Q2 game for Butler, and the win will surely boost their tournament resume.

The CHD Scout prediction had Georgetown winning by 5.9 points, but that was incorrect. The main reason for this discrepancy was Butler's ability to contain Georgetown's offense, which had been averaging 74.2 points per game over their last 5 outings. Butler's defense, which had been struggling to contain opponents, held Georgetown to just 44 points in the second half, and their offense was able to capitalize on the other end. Georgetown's trend of outscoring opponents by 3.8 points per game over their last 5 contests was also snapped, as they were outscored by 4 points here.

Butler's win was a much-needed boost to their tournament hopes, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum. They have a tough schedule ahead of them, but if they can continue to play like they did against Georgetown, they may be able to sneak into the tournament. Georgetown, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus after this tough loss. They had been trending upwards, but this loss will surely drop them in the NET rankings. The Hoyas have a 13-13 record, and their NET ranking of 91 will likely take a hit after this Q3 loss.

The second half was a different story, as Georgetown came out strong and cut the deficit to just 5 points. However, Butler's offense was able to withstand the pressure, and they managed to hold on for the win. The Bulldogs shot 46.2% from the field in the second half, including 50% from three-point range. Georgetown, on the other hand, shot just 40% from the field and 25% from three-point range. The Hoyas also struggled to contain Butler's rebounding, as they were outrebounded 34-29. This was a crucial factor in the game, as Butler's rebounding allowed them to limit Georgetown's second-chance opportunities.

The win for Butler will surely boost their tournament resume, and they may be able to sneak into the tournament if they can continue to play like they did against Georgetown. The Bulldogs' NET ranking of 81 will likely improve after this Q2 win, and they may be able to climb into the top 75. Georgetown, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus after this tough loss. Their NET ranking of 91 will likely take a hit after this Q3 loss, and they may be in danger of falling out of the top 100. The Hoyas have a tough schedule ahead of them, and they must win some big games if they want to stay in the tournament conversation. Butler's win may have just played them onto the bubble, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum.

The game was a thrilling affair, with both teams giving it their all. In the end, Butler's offense was just too much for Georgetown to handle, and they came away with a 93-89 win. The Bulldogs' 54-point first half was the difference-maker, and their ability to contain Georgetown's offense in the second half sealed the deal. Butler's win may have just changed the tournament landscape, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum. The Bulldogs have a tough schedule ahead of them, but if they can continue to play like they did against Georgetown, they may be able to sneak into the tournament. Georgetown, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus after this tough loss, and they must win some big games if they want to stay in the tournament conversation.