By: Andrew Mild-January 30, 2022
The Butler Bulldogs headed into Saturday’s game against Georgetown with a wave of momentum after defeating Creighton 72 to 55 on Wednesday.
Georgetown, the defending Big East Champions, had already suffered a loss to the ‘Dawgs, and were looking for their first win in Big East play.
The last time the two teams played, Georgetown was ravaged with COVID-19. Their Head Coach and NBA hall-of-famer, Patrick Ewing, did not coach in that game. This time, he was on the sidelines at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The two teams played Big East basketball early, grinding out possessions on both offense and defense evening the score at 11 early in the first half. Then, the Bulldogs finally broke through going on an 8-0 scoring run and finally getting some distance from the Hoyas.
Georgetown wouldn’t go away as they kept battling with the Bulldogs forcing some tough posessions. Towards the end of the first half Georgetown had worked the game back to three, and with the clock winding down Bryce Golden splashed in a three-pointer to give the ‘Dawgs a six point advantage at the half.
After halftime, Butler went on one of their best runs of the night, a 12-3 swing that put the ‘Dawgs up 15 after halftime. The Georgetown comeback was led by Aminu Mohammad and Dante Harris who both scored seven points a piece. Donald Carey also added six points, those three combined for 20 of Georgetown’s 27 second-half points.
Late in the second half Georgetown captured a one point lead. Then, with 1:06 left, grad senior Aaron Thompson attacked the lane and converted the wide open layup to retake the lead.
Butler forced a stop on defense, and on the other side Chuck Harris was fouled where he would go on to convert both his free throws to make it a three point game. Carey for Georgetown tossed up a corner three that bounced off the rim, bodies from both sides dove for the ball as the clock ran out on Georgetown giving Butler a win at home.
Butler was led by grad student Bryce Nze who had 12 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Freshman Simas Lukosius had a big game with 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
The Hoyas had a big game from guard Aminu Mohammad that led both teams with 16 points, while adding in six rebounds and two steals. Donald Carey contributed with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The win moves Butler to 11-10 on the year and 4-6 in conference play. Georgetown on the other end are now 6-13 and have a 0-7 record against teams from the Big East.
Butler’s next game is February 2 against Xaiver where the ‘Dawgs will hit the road. Georgetown is February 1 at home against Seton Hall.
