The matchup against Georgetown represented a best-case scenario for the Bulldogs. Georgetown struggles defensively and does not have scorers capable of consistently shooting from 3. Georgetown shot just 6 for 22 (27.3%) from deep, making it difficult for the Hoyas to overcome a 15-point second-half deficit. Despite Georgetown’s shooting struggles, its late-game charge highlighted an issue that has plagued Butler all season, an inability to close out games.
Butler missed its last four field goal attempts, going the final 3 minutes, 47 seconds without a basket. Unlike Butler’s overtime loss to Providence where Bizjack’s two missed free throws sent the game to an extra period, Butler’s made free throws with the game on the line.
Georgetown coach Ed Cooley said legendary former Georgetown coach John Thompson would be “rolling in his grave” after watching the poor defensive efforts from both teams. Cooley added that despite Butler’s poor defense, the team’s desire to win proved to be the difference.
“That was the blind playing the blind defensively, we were just probably more blind,” Cooley said. “That wasn’t a defensive specialty game. … I don’t think they did anything different from Game 1. They were just more hungry, they played more passionately, they were more connected and they were just more desirable to win.”
“We were playing a desperate team. … Very disappointed in our defensive effort. … For whatever reason we left our defensive focus, our defensive toughness, our defensive teamwork we left it at the Hilltop today.”