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As everyone prepared for Sunday’s lone Big East game between the Xavier Musketeers and Butler Bulldogs, Butler announced some news that would change up the game.
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) February 21, 2021
After this came out, Xavier went from favored to formality. As such, it was no surprise when the Musketeers came away with a 63-51 victory over the Bulldogs, snapping a two-game losing streak.
Zach Freemantle continued his run of strong play, leading the Musketeers with 17 points and 10 rebounds, his third straight double-double. Colby Jones also recorded a double-double for Xavier, with 13 points and 11 rebounds. This marked the first double-double of Jones’ career.
Nearly all of Butler’s points came from Chuck Harris (14), Jair Bolden (12) or Bryce Golden (10), with the trio accounting for 36 of Butler’s season-low tying 51 points.
As noted by the score, the game was quite ugly. Xavier went 2-19 from three-point range and Butler went 6-31 from deep. The Bulldogs shot just 30% in the game.
Xavier improves to 12-4 on the year and 5-4 in Big East play. They will head to Providence on Wednesday. Butler falls to 7-13 on the year and 6-11 in conference play. They’ll host Seton Hall on Wednesday.