Butler game thread

[muskieman]

When: Wednesday, Jan 14 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cintas...final game of the home stand

TV/Stream: FS1 with play-by-play from Connor Onion and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC

Butler has been off since Jan 6th. Rested or rusty??

Team Overview
Butler enters the 2025–26 season under Thad Matta, now in his fourth season of his second stint with the program. The Bulldogs sit at 10–6 overall and 1–4 in Big East play, placing them in the lower tier of the conference standings.

The team’s statistical profile shows:
84.1 points per game (Top 20% nationally)
75.4 points allowed per game
Offensive Rating: 115.1
Defensive Rating: 103.3

This paints a picture of a strong offensive team with defensive inconsistencies
Strengths
Frontcourt size and depth
With Jones (6'11"), Ndzie (7'1"), and Traore (6'11"), Butler has one of the biggest rotations in the Big East. This gives them rim protection and rebounding potential.

Balanced scoring options
Multiple guards and wings can create offense, and the team averages over 84 points per game.

Experienced guard play
Seniors Yame Butler and Jalen Jackson provide stability, while Bizjack adds shot‑making.

Strong non‑conference performance
Early‑season wins (e.g., Southern Indiana, IU Indy, Chicago State) show they can dominate lower‑tier opponents.

Weaknesses
Defensive inconsistency
Allowing 75+ points per game and ranking 167th in defensive rating indicates issues containing penetration and defending the perimeter.

Big East struggles
A 1–4 conference record places them near the bottom of the league.

Reliance on upperclassmen
Freshmen are talented but still developing; heavy minutes fall on seniors.

Limited proven shooting depth
While scoring is high, consistent three‑point threats are not clearly established in the data

We know that when Thadd is given time off, he develops a game plan for the next opponent. We saw it when he coached X in both the regular season and the postseason.

🧩 Style of Play
Offense-first identity
High scoring, strong offensive efficiency, and multiple creators.

Half‑court physicality
Big frontcourt allows for post‑heavy sets and interior defense.

Variable pace
Capable of playing fast but often operates through structured sets under Matta

Butler wants half‑court execution and paint touches.

Xavier wants to disrupt rhythm, pressure the ball, and speed up possessions

For Xavier
Pressure Butler’s guards
Bizjack and Jackson can be turnover‑prone under heat.

Push tempo
Butler’s defense weakens in transition.

Attack mismatches off ball screens
Butler’s coverage has been inconsistent.

Win the energy battle
Cintas Center gives Xavier a natural edge.

Butler's tendency to give up runs on the road

Xavier’s historically strong home‑court performance at Cintas

My Score Guess

Xavier 85 Butler 72

[Kevin Reilly]

Best half of the Season. We shoot 49% from the field. Loved the aggressive mind set of Anderson and Carrol. Silly foul by Carroll in the last 10 seconds. Filip also played very well. Tell me that Ajayi doesn't remind you of the old physical Xavier power forwards? We need C Filip and and Filip out of foul trouble.

[Kevin Reilly]

We are moving the ball better than we have all year. Opening up a lot of good looks. Fun to see them playing fast like tonight.

[muskieman]

Outrebounded the best rebounding team in the league as X mauls Butler 30 assists 9 turnover

[Kevin Reilly]

Carroll really came to play tonight. He needs to stay aggressive like tonight. Five blocks. Unreal.

[norwood44]

I'm curious why Reds CEO Castellini was booed when he was announced.

[muskieman]

I'm curious why Reds CEO Castellini was booed when he was announced.

I might not like his comments in the past or how they run the Reds, but I wouldn't boo someone who will benefit the university and its students, so I can't understand why they booed. Go boo him at the Great American Ballpark, but not while he is offering Xavier a hand up.

[skyhops]

Castellini was booed because he has said dumb things in the past and Reds fans are sick of not winning a playoff game since 1995. He is not suited or qualified for running a major league team. The Muskies offense when Carroll, Moore, Jovan, and Roddie are scoring are fun to watch. Flip does a little of everything but needs to be aggressive. If we can retain Pozzato, Jovan, Roddie, Pape, and even All that is a decent nucleus. We need another big a defensive stopper.

[yellow20xd]

I'd boo his at a Xavier game, a uc game, a Bengals game, Ruby's restaurant and at Great American Ball Park... What he's done to the Reds is unforgivable... Good win by X... NOw keep piling on the wins... Dan