After a dominating six-game winning streak, Xavier fell flat on Tuesday against number one-ranked Villanova, 79-54. The Musketeers collectively shot an appalling 29.3 percent from the field (17-for-58). Yep, you read that right.. Twenty-nine. Point. Three. Percent.
Obviously, though, it’s just an off night, and it’s likely not gonna happen often. There’s just no way but up after that kind of horrid shooting.
In trying to have a bounce back performance, look for Trevon Blueitt (17.2 PPG) and Edmond Sumner (15.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.5 APG) to have an aggressive day on the floor. The two are proving to be an exciting duo, powering the team to have a balanced play on offense and defense – Kenpom.com currently ranks them 33rd in the nation in offense and defense. Sumner, who is projected to enter the NBA draft in June, is so far doing a good job on further strengthening his draft stock.
Also, the team should have great confidence when facing Butler, as they have come out victorious in their last four meetings (dating back to the 2014-2015 season), and three of those were won by 17 or more points.
Betting on the Butler Bulldogs (14-3, 3-2 Big East)
Like Xavier, Butler will also be coming off a game where their winning streak got halted, as Creighton dusted them off this past Wednesday, 74-65. It was one of the Bulldogs’ most forgettable performances in a while, with bench player Avery Woodson being the sole player to score in double figures.
…And just like what we’ve said about Xavier, it’s just an off night. The Butler offense is quite decent (76.9 PPG on 48.3 percent shooting), and Kenpom have them on the 19th spot in offensive efficiency.
Kelan Martin, who only went 3-for-15 for seven points in the previous game, should be able to have a better game, since majority of the scoring duties are rested on his shoulders. He is pacing the team in scoring, (16.8 PPG), while also recording at least one triple in 16 of his 17 games this season.
Aside from Andrew Chrabascz (11.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.9 APG) and Woodson (8.6 PPG), Martin should also get some help from Kamar Baldwin, Tyler Wideman, and Tyler Lewis. Each of the latter three are only averaging an unappealing 9 PPG or less, but they are collectively shooting an efficient 56.4 percent from the field.
