Butler's NCAA tournament hopes fade after historic shooting woes against Georgetown

Bulldogs miss 14 straight shots in 77-64 loss, leaving coach Thad Matta searching for answers

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:31pm

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In a game where Butler struggled to stop Georgetown's slow, physical offense in the first half, the Bulldogs' own offense completely fell apart in the final 7.5 minutes, missing 14 consecutive shots to end the game in a 77-64 loss. Butler coach Thad Matta, who was going for his 500th career win, was left bewildered by the historic shooting drought that dashed his team's NCAA tournament hopes.

Why it matters

Butler's loss to the struggling Hoyas is a major blow to the Bulldogs' chances of making the 2026 NCAA tournament, as they now sit at 13-9 overall and 4-7 in Big East play. The shooting woes highlighted the team's offensive inconsistency and inability to capitalize on winnable games against lower-ranked Big East opponents.

The details

After Butler guard Jamie Kaiser Jr. hit three straight 3-pointers to cut Georgetown's lead to 63-57, the Bulldogs completely fell apart offensively. They missed their final 14 shots, going 1-for-16 to end the game. Butler's best players, including Michael Ajayi, Finley Bizjack and Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor, all failed to convert easy looks at the rim during the drought.

  • With 7:30 left in the game, Butler trailed 63-57.
  • Over the final 7.5 minutes, Butler missed 14 consecutive shots.

The players

Thad Matta

Butler's head coach, who was going for his 500th career win in the game.

Jamie Kaiser Jr.

Butler's rising sophomore guard, who scored a career-high 19 points in the loss.

Michael Ajayi

Butler's best player, who struggled mightily down the stretch, missing multiple shots at the rim.

Finley Bizjack

Butler's leading scorer, who missed several contested layups and 3-pointers late in the game.

Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor

Butler's best athlete, who also failed to convert easy looks at the basket during the team's shooting drought.

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What they’re saying

“Whoo, did that really just happen?”

— Thad Matta, Butler Head Coach (indystar.com)

“You can't shoot 15% in the second half in a Big East game and have a chance to win.”

— Thad Matta, Butler Head Coach (indystar.com)

“They didn't have one of their better offensive games.”

— Ed Cooley, Georgetown Head Coach (indystar.com)

“They missed some shots they normally make.”

— Ed Cooley, Georgetown Head Coach (indystar.com)

What’s next

Butler's NCAA tournament hopes are now in serious jeopardy, as they will need to pull off some big wins in their remaining regular season games against top Big East teams like UConn and Seton Hall to have a chance at an at-large bid.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Butler's offense all season, as they were unable to capitalize on a winnable home game against a struggling Georgetown team. The Bulldogs' inability to make shots down the stretch raises serious questions about their ability to compete with the Big East's elite teams and secure a spot in the 2026 NCAA tournament.