As the college basketball season hits its stride, the margin for error is shrinking for teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. One such team, Butler, is looking to bolster its resume with a win over Georgetown, a squad desperate for quality victories to revive its own tournament aspirations. The Bulldogs, currently ranked 50th in the NET rankings, have been trending upward with a three-game win streak, while the Hoyas are still searching for consistency, having gone 1-2 in their last three outings.
Butler's recent surge has been fueled by its ability to take care of business at home, where it want to extend its winning streak against a Georgetown team that has struggled mightily in Quad 1 matchups, sporting an 0-6 record in such games. The Hoyas' Quad 1 woes are a major concern, as they need to start notching quality wins to have any hope of cracking the tournament field. A win at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Butler has been formidable, would be a significant boost to their resume. On the other hand, a loss would drop Georgetown to 2-8 in conference play, making their tournament chances even more precarious.
CHD Scout Prediction
Georgetown
73
Butler
82
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Butler is favored to win by 8.8 points, with a 79% chance of emerging victorious. While neither team has a player on a particularly notable hot or cold streak, the Bulldogs' overall momentum and home-court advantage give them a distinct edge. Georgetown must find a way to slow down Butler's offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders during its current win streak.
With the stakes high and the tournament bubble watch in full effect, this matchup matters greatly for both teams. A Butler win would help solidify its position on the right side of the bubble, while a Georgetown victory would be a much-needed injection of life into their tournament hopes. In the end, I predict Butler will come out on top, 82-73, behind a strong performance at home. The Bulldogs' ability to take care of business in Indianapolis, combined with their superior NET ranking and recent form, makes them the likely victor in this crucial clash.