Xavier defeats depleted Butler

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.

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.