Xavier used a large run in each half and 57-percent shooting on the afternoon to down host Butler, 74-57, Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The fifth-ranked Musketeers improved to 22-3 (10-3 BIG EAST) with the win, while Butler fell to 17-8 (6-7).
Jordan Gathers hit a three-pointer six minutes into the second half to pull Butler within seven at 47-40. Xavier would score nine of the next 10 points for a 56-41 lead with 12 minutes to play.
Xavier shot 29-of-51 from the field for the game, hitting at a 65-percent clip in the first half alone.