CINCINNATI – This was predictable, this 0-2 start to Big East play for Butler. The Bulldogs, after falling at home to Providence two days ago, entered the Cintas Center on Saturday and were beaten, rather emphatically, by the Xavier Musketeers. The Big East, as many will remind the Bulldogs, is a tough, rigid league.
So let’s forget the national rankings. Stop thinking about Butler’s strong nonconference record. That impressive win over Purdue was two weeks ago.
What is now important after Saturday’s 88-69 loss is where Butler goes from here. Will they solve their issues on defense or just struggle throughout league play?