Butler's headed for the NCAA Tournament, regardless of what happens in the Big East tournament.
On the other hand, there might not be a team on the so-called bubble that needs a win Thursday night more than the Bulldogs' opponent.
Call it a matchup of certainty against desperation at Madison Square Garden when No. 18 Butler takes on Xavier, which seemed like a cinch for the NCAA Tournament as recently as a month ago.
Then they lost dynamic point guard Edward Sumner to a season-ending knee injury, explosive scorer Trevon Bluiett (ankle) for a couple of games and center Tyrique Jones (concussion).