Sean McDermott attempts a pass in Butler’s 80-72 loss to No. 18 Villanova. Photo by Jimmy Lafakis.
DREW SANDIFER | STAFF REPORTER | dsandife@butler.edu
Villanova at Butler has become must-see TV over the last two seasons, and commentary royalty was in the building to call it yet again.
O N I O N S @TimBrando and Bill Raftery discussing @ButlerMBB vs. @NovaMBB. pic.twitter.com/2tT95sVrba
— Jimmy Lafakis (@JJLII30) January 22, 2019
Early on, Butler and Villanova traded threes back and forth and promised a great rest of the game.
Hi Jordan Tucker 👋 pic.twitter.com/XF6ms1JdW2
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) January 23, 2019
And after his heroics in the last few games, Butler fans began to be frustrated with Jordan Tucker’s playing time.
Anytime Tucker isn’t in the game, I think Tucker should be in the game.
— Shooter Flatch (@HinkleHangover) January 23, 2019
While Butler fans are notorious for thinking refs aren’t on their side, this game seemed to be especially questionable.
https://twitter.com/Section_29/status/1087873485878247424
The Dawgs trailed for the large majority of the game and showed the fight needed for a comeback, but couldn’t get the stops to have a chance.
2H U12: #Butler trailing Villanova, 61-54. Dawgs showing fight on both ends but can’t seem to get over the hump. Hinkle faithful a bit restless after a few recent calls. #GoDawgs
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) January 23, 2019
And Paschall and the other bigs were tearing up on Butler’s bigs.
https://twitter.com/BarstoolButler/status/1087883060018860033
While it was cut to four at one point, a Wildcat three point barrage put the game out of reach.
It is plausible that 12-0 run by Villanova decides the game. But #Butler is trying desperately to hang in there.
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) January 23, 2019
The comeback always seemed to be luring, but it eventually never came.
Remember the Ohio State game? We should do that
— Thomas Petersen (@BU_Petey) January 23, 2019
In the end, there weren’t enough one-on-one defenders to compete with Villanova’s stars.
I can’t remember a Butler team with this many guys who were true defensive liabilities. Tough as hell to make a run when 4/5 players on the court can’t guard anyone
— Ari Kasle (@AKasle_BU) January 23, 2019
One thing that stalled the Butler comeback? Turnovers. After having only one in the first half, the Bulldogs had eight in the second.
How many empty trips have the Bulldogs had tonight where they didn’t even get a shot off?
— Scott Bridge (@ScoBridge) January 23, 2019
For a bubble team looking for a signature win to catapult them in the field of 68, Butler fans don’t have to look far for another opportunity. At Creighton on Friday and Vs Marquette next Wednesday.
That was disappointing. Not surprising, just disappointing
— Victory Firelight (@ButlerVictory) January 23, 2019
Tip from CHI Center in Omaha is set for 8:30 pm ET on Friday. #GoDawgs