Butler game thread

[muskieman]

Butler's last games were a loss against Marquette 8 (60-52) and a home win against St Johns by 2 (68-66). In the Marquette game Butler had the ball while trailing by six several times in the last three minutes of the game but the Marquette defense did not allow Butler to score. While in the St johns game, the typical St Johns' scenario of leading most of the game before fading at the end because of erratic play continued. Simas Lukosius layup with 1:31 left gave Butler the first lead which turned out to be enough because the Joel Soriano comedy minute of turnovers, missed shots and just plain crazy play sealed the game for Butler even though Butler fought hard to give the lead back a number of times with their turnovers, etc. St. John's failed to score a single point in the final 3:45 of the game, with the Bulldogs closing on a 7-0 run.

Butler was without one of its key players (a Muskie irritant) on Tuesday in Chuck Harris, who was questionable prior to the game with a concussion. His status for Friday is unclear.

Xavier leads the all-time series at 44-24, but it's been closer of late. The Musketeers have swept the two-game regular season series each of the past two years, but the Bulldogs have beaten Xavier in each of the past two Big East tournaments, with both games going to overtime.

[olsingledigit]

It is imperative to not allow the clock to be in play at the end of this game (with X up of course). Butler clock issues were on full display again this week during the end of the St. John's v Butler game that should have gone to overtime. Go X.

[muskieman]

It is imperative to not allow the clock to be in play at the end of this game (with X up of course). Butler clock issues were on full display again this week during the end of the St. John's v Butler game that should have gone to overtime. Go X.

Not to mention the missed foul on that play

[pdxmuskie]

I will be watching this game on delay but hoping X can jump out to another big early lead. Would be great to give the bench significant minutes again.

[muskieman]

15-4 Butler leads... I would never believe this with Harris not playing. Bad passes, missed shots and no defense. Miller calls TO and X throws the ball away.

[muskieman]

Bates dunking over Jack, making him look soft and small 35-21 first half 11 turnovers Butler shooting light out at 66%. Xavier looks like they left the starters' game at home. Can't get the ball inside and forcing too many into Jack and Jerome.

Sean doesn't seem to have an answer for the Butler onslaught but he better find out for the second half. This is supposed to be a sure win!

Time off didn't help X's game

[skyhops]

Matta taking it to Miller. Our offense is non existent and. We ruling miss Free. We won’t win another road game if we play like this.

[Kevin Reilly]

Nightmare first half. The team wasn't ready to play. The guys aren't moving on offense. Boum and Nunge were horrible on both ends. Boum coasts in first half for like the 5th game in a row. Boum can't play defense with two good ankles. He is going to be a big liability defensively in the 2nd half. Nunge needs to toughen up and get his legs under him. Not much fight for the good guys. We are lucky Butler had 10 turnovers. The layoff hurt us . Hope we regroup. Butler is a fair team at best. Can't win Big East games on the road with that lack of effort.

[skyhops]

Will we ever stop going under perimeter screens?

[Kevin Reilly]

Not sure why Boum is still in there?. His ankle is limiting him. Nunge is getting bounced around like a ping pong ball. Need Jones to take over.,