Georgetown Favored Over Butler in Big East Showdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Georgetown Hoyas (13-8) will host the Butler Bulldogs (9-12) in a Big East conference matchup Friday night at Capital One Arena. The game, set to tip off at 6:30 PM ET, comes as both teams look to rebound from recent struggles.

Butler is coming off a tough loss to Marquette on Tuesday, where they squandered a 7-point halftime lead. Georgetown, meanwhile, suffered a lopsided defeat to St. John’s, trailing by as many as 30 points in the first half. Despite their recent woes, the Hoyas are favored by 3.5 points, according to oddsmakers.

Georgetown’s recent struggles include six losses in their last seven games, but they have shown flashes of competitiveness with wins over Xavier and Villanova earlier in the season. Key players Jayden Epps and Thomas Sorber missed the loss to DePaul, but both are expected to play Friday. Sorber, one of the Big East’s top offensive rebounders and shot-blockers, could pose significant challenges for Butler’s defense, which ranks 221st in offensive rebounds allowed.

Butler, on the other hand, has struggled defensively, ranking ninth in the Big East in adjusted defensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage. The Bulldogs also force turnovers at the second-lowest rate in the league, which could benefit Georgetown, a team prone to turnovers.

Georgetown’s Malik Mack, known for his ability to attack defenders off the dribble, could exploit Butler’s defensive weaknesses. Meanwhile, Sorber’s presence in the paint and Georgetown’s perimeter defense, led by Epps and Micah Peavy, could stifle Butler’s offense. The Hoyas rank second in the Big East in effective field goal percentage allowed and are among the league leaders in defensive efficiency, turnover rate, and block rate.

With Georgetown playing at home and Butler on a quick turnaround after Tuesday’s game, the Hoyas are positioned to capitalize on their advantages. Oddsmakers predict a Georgetown victory by at least 4 points, with the spread set at -3.5 (-110).

For those looking to wager, FanDuel is offering a welcome bonus worth up to $200 for new customers. The game will be broadcast on FS1, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 PM ET.