The game against Georgetown represented a best-case scenario for the Bulldogs. Georgetown is struggling defensively and does not have scorers who can consistently shoot from 3. Georgetown shot just 6 for 22 (27.3%) from deep, making it difficult for the Hoyas to overcome a 15-point deficit in the second half. Despite Georgetown’s shooting woes, the late-game offense exposed an issue that has plagued Butler all season: the inability to close out games.
Butler missed his last four field goal attempts and went 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 overtime, Butler made free throws with the game on the line.
Georgetown coach Ed Cooley said legendary former Georgetown coach John Thompson would “roll in his grave” after watching both teams’ poor defensive efforts. 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 probably just blinder,” Cooley said. “That wasn’t a special defensive play. … I don’t think they did anything different than Game 1. They were just hungrier, they played more passionately, they were more connected and they just wanted to win more.”
“We played against a desperate team. … Very disappointed in our defensive efforts. … For whatever reason we left our defensive focus, our defensive strength and our defensive teamwork, we left it today on the Hilltop.”
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