“In such a lopsided loss, head coach Thad Matta will have his hands full to try and regroup this Bulldog squad that has now lost four in a row and is playing like a completely different squad than the one that entered the new year at 10-4.”
What you need to know: Floundering Bulldogs travel to Xavier
“As always, graduate forward Michael Ajayi will have to be at the center of the action for the Dawgs to come away with a victory.”
What you need to know: Women’s basketball seeks to regroup against Providence
“The Bulldogs have dropped four straight games and sit at 7-10 overall and 1-6 in conference action, but recent performances suggest the group remains competitive on the defensive end.”
Beyond the box score: St. John’s downs Butler
“Underwhelming second halves have been a theme for Butler this season, including in the Dawgs’ loss to Villanova. Head coach Thad Matta is unsure what the fix is.”
What you need to know: Men’s basketball aims to end two-game skid against St. John’s
‘“Amid the 7-1 start, Bizjack averaged 19 points on 50% shooting from the field and 45% from range; however, in the seven games since, Butler’s longest-tenured player has faltered to just 12 points on 32% from the field and just 18% from deep.’”
Beyond the box score: Men’s basketball falters in second half against Villanova
‘“I just want to be a better basketball team than we were today, that’s for sure.’”
What you need to know: Villanova visits Butler
“This one has all the makings of a quality game, and one that could have major ramifications for the Bulldogs on Selection Sunday.”
Beyond the box score: Creighton fends off Butler
“The Bulldogs netted just 18 second chance points compared to 13 for the Bluejays, leaving points on the board time and time again after earning extra possessions.”
What you need to know: Men’s basketball seeks first road win against Creighton
“With Creighton hitting its stride at the right time to start conference play, the Dawgs must not let this one turn into a shootout like the double-overtime thriller against Providence.”
Beyond the box score: Women’s basketball falls against No. 1 UConn
“The women’s basketball team faced its stiffest test of the season on Dec. 28 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, falling 94-47 to No. 1 UConn.”