Washington, D.C. – Georgetown came into this game with an 8-10 record, looking to stop a three game schneid. Unfortunately, they were no match for Butler, as they shot 62% FG and 50% from three in the first half. The Bulldogs led the Hoyas by 12 points at halftime, scoring a lowly 32% from the floor and 27% from deep. As the second half was underway, the Hoyas cut the lead to nine several times, but Butler responded, extending the lead back to double digits. Georgetown eventually fell to Butler 90-66. Butler was simply too physical, had all their starters in double figures while the Hoyas couldn’t get consistent offensive production. Butler guard Pierre Brooks led the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds and DJ Davis finished with 17 points, five dimes and four boards. Georgetown’s Jayden Epps led the Hoyas with 16 points and three assists, Supreme Cook added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Brooks is a junior who is having a good year for Butler. He averages 17 points and four boards on 48% shooting. Brooks is also efficient from beyond the arc averaging 44%. He made 4-of-6 threes in this game and went 8-of-15 from the floor. He is very crafty and plays in control, he has an overall high IQ. When he has the ball in his hands, he does a good job looking for players in the right spots, though he didn’t record a dime. He created angles to give himself space and while undersized he plays big. Brooks used his body to carve out 11 rebounds, which is the most he’s had this year. He just has an excellent feel for the flow of the game and great court vision. Fellow guard DJ Davis had his fingerprints on this game as well, using his quickness to gain separation on the floor. He was aggressive, driving to the basket and having the wherewithal to stop on a whim for pull up jumpers and runners. He succeeded in transition and was not afraid of contact. Davis made good cuts and came off screens. He shot 50% FG with only one made three, though he has a nice shooting touch.
Georgetown’s guard Epps did not have his best night. He led the team in scoring once again but was very inefficient. He shot 4-for-19 for the night and frankly didn’t play to his strengths. He was very hesitant to drive because there were no lanes for him to get to the basket. When Epps doesn’t get the driving lanes to the hoop, he starts to press and takes bad shots. He was very poor from downtown only making 2-of-13 attempts. Butler overmatched the team with a strong defensive performance and frankly got in his head. He added five turnovers to his stats as well which was a problem since he is the primary ball handler. Epps had a nice night from the charity stripe as he only missed one foul shot. Cook had a double-double in this game and seemed to be the only Georgetown player up to the task. He showed heart and put his arms in the body of the defenders to gain his ground. Cook is very raw but seems to be coming into his role by finishing better and being aggressive.
Butler is now 13-7 on the year and face Villanova next while Georgetown is 8-11 and goes up against Providence on the road. Butler is 8th and the Hoyas are 10th respectively in the Big East.
This article was written by Kenneth Moore, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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