Xavier Musketeers return to the Cintas Center on January 14, seeking to build on their recent victory against the Providence Friars. The Musketeers emerged triumphantly with a score of 97-84 on January 10, marking their first win following a three-game losing streak.
Xavier’s Recent Performance
In their latest game, Xavier showcased a well-rounded offensive performance. The team shot 49.3% from the field, including 12 three-pointers. They had five players scoring in double figures, demonstrating depth in their lineup.
- Overall Field Goal Percentage: 49.3%
- Three-Pointers Made: 12
- Turnovers: 4
- Points in the Paint: 44
- Fast-Break Points: 30
Head coach Richard Pitino expressed pride in delivering a memorable moment for their fans, highlighting the team’s high-scoring abilities against Providence.
Upcoming Challenge Against Butler Bulldogs
As the Musketeers prepare to face Butler, they will encounter tougher challenges. Butler ranks among the top 20 teams nationwide for offensive rebounds, averaging 14 per game. They are also a formidable scoring team, generating an average of 84.1 points per game.
Butler has struggled on their previous visits to the Cintas Center, with their last victory there dating back to 2020. Currently, Butler stands at 10-6 overall and 1-4 in Big East play, looking for a turnaround after losing four consecutive league games.
Key Matchup Statistics
| Category | Xavier | Butler |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10-7 (2-4 Big East) | 10-6 (1-4 Big East) |
| Points Per Game | 76.8 | 84.1 |
| Defense Points Allowed | 75.7 | 75.4 |
| Recent Results | W vs. Providence | L vs. Villanova |
Players to Watch
For Butler, key players include Finley Bizjack and Michael Ajayi, who are among the top scorers in the Big East. Bizjack averages 16.3 points per game and has demonstrated efficient shooting despite a slight decline from last season.
Xavier’s standout players include Malik Messina-Moore, who has been in excellent form during conference play, averaging 17.2 points per game. Filip Borovicanin is another player to watch, having recorded multiple double-doubles recently and contributing significantly to the team’s scoring.
The Matchup Ahead
The game will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. on January 14 at the Cintas Center. Xavier will aim to capitalize on their recent momentum and secure a vital conference win against a Butler team struggling to find its rhythm.
With their current standing in the Big East, both teams are eyeing improvements and hope to deliver an exciting match for fans.
