Xavier Musketeers Host Butler Bulldogs in Crucial Big East Showdown

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Xavier Musketeers (16-10, 8-7 Big East) will welcome the Butler Bulldogs (12-13, 5-9 Big East) on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. The match holds significant importance for both teams, particularly for Xavier, which is vying to secure a bye in the upcoming Big East Tournament.

The Musketeers are currently positioned fifth in the conference, having recently achieved back-to-back victories against Providence and DePaul. They enter the contest with a strong home record of 12-2 and are looking to continue their positive momentum.

Meanwhile, Butler arrives at the game riding a three-game winning streak. The Bulldogs showcased a compelling performance in their last outing, defeating Georgetown 97-86, with Pierre Brooks leading the charge by scoring 30 points — nearly doubling his season average of 15.5 points per game.

Despite Butler’s recent success, the Bulldogs have struggled on the road this season, holding a dismal 1-6 record away from home. They have fluctuated in form recently, earning five wins and five losses in their last ten games.

Xavier’s last ten games have been more favorable, with a record of 7-3. The Musketeers aim to maintain their fourth consecutive home win over the Bulldogs, with past matchups indicating dominance, as four of those wins came by double-digit margins.

As the game approaches, analysts offer insights and predictions. Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) forecasts that Xavier will cover the spread of 6.5 points. ‘Xavier is hot right now and should capitalize against a Butler team that has faced weaker competition in recent weeks,’ he stated. ‘The Musketeers have proved they can take down quality teams, making them the favorite in this matchup.’

Head coach Sean Miller‘s squad is looking to solidify its position in the conference as the regular season winds down. Consistent scoring and strong defense will be key to their success against Butler.

For more betting advice and the latest updates on team performance and player stats, sports fans can refer to NBC Sports. Bet responsibly and reach out to the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for assistance.