By JB Ellis
Xavier (9) and Butler (8) had a close game in the 1st round of the Big East tournament, with Xavier prevailing 76-72 in the final minute. Despite Butler’s early lead and great job of getting the ball to the rim, Xavier outscored them 24-12 in the paint. Both teams struggled with their shooting, with Butler shooting 38.2% from the field and 35.7% from behind the 3pt line, while Xavier shot 41.2% from the field and 0-8 behind the arc.
In the second half, Xavier started hitting their threes, going 7-14 and staying neck and neck with Butler. Desmond Claude led Xavier with 26 points and Davyvion McKnight chipped in 20, while Butler had 5 players in double figures led by Pierre Brooks with 21. Posh Alexander returned after being injured in the 1st half and made some big plays to keep Butler in the game, but Xavier’s points off turnovers and points in the paint advantage were too much to overcome.
Up next for Xavier a matchup with (1) UConn and Big East Coach of the Year Danny Hurley at noon on Thursday.
