Xavier Musketeers vs Butler Bulldogs
Butler holds on for 89-82 win over Xavier in OT in Big East
NEW YORK -- — Simas Lukosius hit a jumper on the first possession in overtime to give ninth-seeded Butler a lead it would not relinquish en route to an 89-82 win over eighth-seeded Xavier in the first round of the Big East Conference tournament on Wednesday.
He followed with a 3-pointer for a 73-68 lead and after four free throws pulled the Musketeers within one, Lukosius hit a 3-pointer and went on to score 12 points in the overtime.
Capping a second half that featured eight lead changes and four ties, Lukosius made a pair of free throws to even the score at 68 with 4 seconds remaining in regulation and send the game to overtime.
Chuck Harris scored a season-high 29 points, tying his career high, to lead the Bulldogs. Lukosius added 27 points and seven rebounds. Bryce Nze had 15 points and 15 rebounds for Butler (14-18).
Jack Nunge had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Musketeers (18-13). Paul Scruggs added 15 points, including a go-ahead layup with 8 seconds to go in regulation, and six assists. Colby Jones had 14 points and six rebounds.
------
For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and http://twitter.com/AP--Top25
Game Information
New York, NY
Referee:Wally Rutecki
Referee:Brent Hampton
Referee:Tony Chiazza
2025-26 Standings
| Big East ConferenceBig East Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 18-2 | - | 30-7 |
| UConn | 17-3 | 1 | 34-6 |
| Villanova | 15-5 | 3 | 24-9 |
| Seton Hall | 10-10 | 8 | 21-12 |
| Creighton | 9-11 | 9 | 16-18 |
| DePaul | 8-12 | 10 | 16-16 |
| Butler | 7-13 | 11 | 16-16 |
| Providence | 7-13 | 11 | 15-18 |
| Marquette | 7-13 | 11 | 12-20 |
| Georgetown | 6-14 | 12 | 16-18 |
| Xavier | 6-14 | 12 | 15-18 |
Men's College Basketball News

UCLA adds four transfers, prized freshmen to bolster roster
17h

Kentucky, Gonzaga men's basketball to discontinue series
18h

Michigan AD Warde Manuel seeking more steadiness around program
2d

