:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28421267/2014028_jcd_sv4_220.0.jpg)
Teams: Xavier (16-7; 6-4) vs. Butler (12-11; 2-9)
Day: Tuesday, February 11
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: FS1
About Xavier:
The Xavier Musketeers defeated Providence, with the help of Semaj Christon who scored 12 points in the contest and had two key defensive plays in the last minute. This win ended Xavier’s three game losing streak and boosted the team to third place in the Big East. Justin Martin put up 13 points and a set of important free throws with seconds to spare in the end of the game. To add, Matt Stainbrook was a key contributor scoring 13 points and notching nine rebounds for Xavier. Xavier was able to hold off Providence late in the game by not allowing Bryce Cotton to score.
About Butler:
The Butler Bulldogs lost to Georgetown and their defense led to the downfall in the game. Butler’s coach Brandon Miller said "we couldn’t get a stop" and this killed them late in the game. Markel Starks led Georgetown to victory like usual, scoring 19 points with seven assists. Butler had a hard time scoring in the beginning of the game, but freshmen Andrew Charabascz rose up and had the best game of his young career with 24 points in only 34 minutes. Also, Kellen Dunham had a great game making 50% of shots from the three and scoring 15 points in total.
Two Keys to the Game:
-Xavier’s clutch ability
Xavier had many clutch plays late in their game against Providence that helped them come out victorious. Semaj Christon had two significant defensive plays late in the game and Justin Martin made a pair of free throw shots late in the game.
-Butler’s defense
Butler’s defense was the reason for defeat against Georgetown. The Bulldogs defense hasn’t been the most reliable this season costing them numerous games. If, Butler wants to beat Xavier, their defense will have to step up.
Prediction: Xavier 66, Butler 60
