Well that was no good. Xavier started off poorly on offense, but the defense was stifling and the Muskies led by as many as nine in the first half and carried a six-point lead into the break.
Then, just as with the mid-week game at Nova, the wheels came off. Butler scored the first nine of the second half to take the lead. Xavier battled back but could never get the upper hand. Trevon Bluiett fouled out with 10 points on 2-10 shooting with 3:20 left. The Muskies had a couple of chances to tie it down the stretch, but could never get the bucket they needed.