Tori Schickel eyes a rebound versus Providence. Collegian file photo.
CHRIS BROWN | STAFF REPORTER | cbbrown@butler.edu
Who: Butler vs. Georgetown
When: Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
How to Watch: Big East Digital Network
The Butler women’s basketball team will attempt to pick up its third straight win when they face the Georgetown Hoyas on Jan. 26 in the third game of a four-game homestand. Georgetown is 3-6 in conference play and currently eighth in the Big East, while Butler is tied for third with a 5-4 conference record.
Although Butler’s conference season has had its ups and downs, the Bulldogs are an improved team after winning just two Big East games last year. After losing their conference opener at home, Butler went on to win their next three games, including a road upset over No. 21 Villanova. They then dropped their next three contests, but responded with wins over Creighton and Providence in their return to Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Hoyas seeking revenge at Hinkle
Butler defeated Georgetown 66-57 for their second conference win on Jan. 5. After outscoring the Hoyas by five points in the first half, the Bulldogs limited them to just five made field goals in the final 20 minutes.
Following the game, Georgetown head coach James Howard said they didn’t get sizeable contributions from their leading scorers at the time. Dionna White and Cynthia Petke were limited to just 12 and 11 points, respectively. Limiting Georgetown’s top scorers will be key once again as the Hoyas try to turn the tables on the Bulldogs.
Offensive contributions from the roster will be key
In their previous matchup against Georgetown, redshirt junior guard Whitney Jennings and junior center Tori Schickel scored 50 of Butler’s 66 points. But the Bulldogs have shown this season they’re at their best when other offensive contributors step up. Sophomore guard Kristen Spolyar, who’s third on the team in points and averages 12.3 per game, is one candidate to do just that. Spolyar missed the team’s previous game against Georgetown with an illness.
Continuing home success
After winning just four games at home last season, Butler has found success at home this season. The team has dropped just two games at Hinkle Fieldhouse while winning seven, compared to a 5-4 road record. For the team to continue to improve their Big East record, racking up as many wins as possible at home will be important, especially with early February road matchups against St. John’s and Seton Hall on the horizon.
Follow Chris on Twitter: @cbrownsports
