Two Big East rivals face off for the second time in two weeks as Butler hosts Georgetown on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.
The Bulldogs (11-13, 4-9) followed up a 30-point win at Seton Hall with an 82-81 victory at home against Providence last weekend.
Butler coach Thad Matta spoke on the team pulling out a close victory after losing leads in eight of nine conference losses.
“Two months ago, that (the Friars making 16 of 32 shots from beyond the arc) could have demoralized us. I thought we showed resilience and some toughness down the stretch when we had to.”
After losing six of seven, the Hoyas (15-9, 6-7) are showing signs of turning it around. They have won two of their last three games, including wins over this Butler team and in their most recent game last weekend, a 60-46 decision over Seton Hall.
Georgetown coach Ed Cooley acknowledged his team needed the weeklong break after that game.
“The last time we had a week off was before Christmas,” he said. “We need it desperately right now, get a couple days off with their bodies.”
Micah Peavy leads the Hoyas averaging 15.2 points and 2.3 steals per game. Thomas Sorber leads down low by averaging 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.
Jahmyl Telfort leads Butler with 16.0 points and 3.5 assists per contest. Andre Screen leads with 6.1 boards per night.
On the injury front, Butler announced Augusto Cassia will leave the program after he sustained a ligament injury in his knee back on Dec. 10. He was cleared to return to activity prior to his decision to leave.
Julius Halaifonua is the lone name on Georgetown’s injury report. He had surgery on his left ankle in December with no prognosis as of yet.
Twenty-three of 25 matchups between the teams have taken place since Butler joined the conference in 2013. Georgetown is 7-4 all-time at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
–Field Level Media
