The Butler men's basketball team entered the new year just hours after a Big East opening loss at home and issues to solve about itself. The Bulldogs’ next opponent, sixth-ranked Xavier, was not their top focus even though they would have less than 48 hours to prepare for the Musketeers.
With such little time to make adjustments, coach Chris Holtmann will be eager to see how his ninth-ranked Bulldogs react emotionally from their loss Thursday to No. 12 Providence. Butler, beyond just facing the Musketeers, will be playing in the most hostile environment it will have experienced so far this season.