INDIANAPOLIS – The Bulldogs recorded their first BIG EAST win of the season with an 82-76 victory against the visiting Georgetown Hoyas. Butler scored 45 points in the first half Thursday night, matching their final score from Tuesday's contest. With the win, BU moves to 6-7 on the year.

The turning point in the game came during the final minute of the opening quarter. The 'Dawgs trailed by three with 1:17 to play, but a late surge gave them a two point cushion after the first 10 minutes. That BU scoring run would grow to 11-2 in the opening minutes of the second quarter which in turn gave the home team a six point lead.

Butler's advantage would grow to double figures with four minutes left in the second quarter, yet a late Hoya run just before the half would put the score at 45-38 at the halfway point.

The third quarter belonged to the Bulldogs as they outscored Georgetown 20-11. The Hoyas went 3-for-20 from the field allowing BU to build their lead. The game would get close down the stretch with Georgetown picking up their defensive intensity. Dionna White gave BU point guards fits with her four steals and the Hoyas went on to win the fourth 27-17. The damage had already been done however as Butler held on for the six-point victory.

Butler used a total team effort to pick up their first conference win of the season. The team shot 48% overall, including 46% from 3-point range. Blaire Langlois and Sydney Buck combined to hit five of Butler's seven 3-point field goals. Langlois ended the game with 12 points and six assists, while Buck put down 10 points and five rebounds.

Out of bounds plays were key for Butler in the opening half as they continued to execute for easy looks. Belle Obert and Tori Schickel dominated the paint inside to combine for 33 points. Obert led all players with a team-high 19 points while adding seven boards, three assists and three blocks. Schickel was once again a spark off the bench with 14 points and seven boards in 21 minutes.

Butler picked up 34 bench points with Taylor Buford adding eight, Nicole Orr scoring seven and Alexa Bailey posting five. All nine Bulldogs that saw the court ended up in the scoring column.

Butler will return to action with a home game on Tuesday, Jan. 5 when they host Xavier at 7 PM. Action can be viewed live on the BIG EAST Digital Network.

Happy New Year!