INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — A pair of Big East teams looking to build momentum meet Saturday when the Butler Bulldogs host the Georgetown Hoyas at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Georgetown (11-10, 2-6 Big East) arrives after snapping a six-game conference skid with a 70-61 home win over DePaul on Wednesday. The Hoyas’ recent struggles have been defined by narrow losses, including a 62-64 defeat to then-Connecticut and an 83-86 overtime road loss to Creighton this month. Their fortunes often hinge on the play of sophomore guard Malik Mack, who is coming off a 16-point, 7-assist performance against DePaul. Over his last five games, Mack is averaging 12.8 points and 4.4 assists.

Butler (13-8, 4-4) seeks to rebound from a disappointing 70-92 road loss to Saint John’s on Wednesday, which halted a three-game winning streak. The Bulldogs’ offense, which averaged 82 points during that win streak, was stifled in New York. Forward Michael Ajayi remains a consistent focal point, leading the team with 19 points in the loss. The Pepperdine transfer has scored in double figures in 19 of 21 games this season and posted a triple-double (12 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists) in a Jan. 3 loss to Villanova.

The matchup features a contrast in styles. Georgetown, under second-year coach Ed Cooley, has emphasized a tougher defensive identity but ranks near the bottom of the conference in scoring offense. Butler, coached by Thad Matta, boasts one of the league’s more efficient offenses but has shown vulnerability on defense, particularly in its recent lopsided loss.

Saturday’s contest is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, who will meet again in Washington on Feb. 18. For Georgetown, a road win would mark its first consecutive Big East victories this season. For Butler, protecting its home court is crucial to staying in the upper half of the conference standings. Hinkle Fieldhouse has been a stronghold, where the Bulldogs are 10-2 this season.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.