Postgame audio - Coach John Thompson III, Austin Freeman & Greg Monroe:
It was a team effort that led Georgetown to a seven point victory over #22 Butler in the opening game of the 2009 Jimmy V Classic, but the stat line of sophomore center Greg Monroe couldn't avoid standing out.
Monroe's career highs of 24 points and 15 rebounds helped the Hoyas build an eight point halftime lead and generate a 52-35 advantage on a Hollis Thompson three point shot with 13:35 left in the game.
Behind Gordon Hayward's outside shooting and repeated drives into the paint that drew fouls, the Bulldogs were able to gradually cut the Georgetown lead down to as low as seven on four occasions late in the second half before the Hoyas created some distance at the free throw line. Hayward had 24 and eight in defeat.
Austin Freeman made his first four three point shots and finished with 18 for Georgetown.
The Hoyas passed their first real test, not just of the season, but of a week designed by head coach John Thompson III to mimic the difficulties of Big East play. This weekend Georgetown travels west to Anaheim to play Washington in their second straight meeting versus a Top 25 foe.
