Xavier Musketeers Defeat Butler Bulldogs 89-75
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Cintas Center
Xavier Musketeers 89, Butler Bulldogs 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Butler Bulldogs vs Xavier Musketeers?
Xavier Musketeers beat Butler Bulldogs 89-75 at Cintas Center on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Butler Bulldogs vs Xavier Musketeers?
Butler Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at the Cintas Center, the Xavier Musketeers triumphed over the Butler Bulldogs with a final score of 89-75. This victory marks an important moment for Xavier, who improved their home record to 12-7, while Butler fell to 10-8 overall. The game showcased the Musketeers' offensive prowess, as they averaged 78.1 points per game over their last ten contests, and they managed to exceed that average against Butler.
Xavier entered the game on a positive note, having won their last matchup against the Providence Friars 97-84 just four days prior. Their recent form includes a record of 6-4 over the last ten games, with an average of 77.2 points scored and 80.6 points allowed in their last five outings. The Musketeers have been particularly strong at home, boasting a 5-2 record in their last seven games at the Cintas Center.
On the other hand, Butler has struggled recently, suffering three consecutive losses leading into this game. Their last match resulted in a 70-84 defeat against the St. John's Red Storm. Over their last ten games, Butler's record stands at 5-5, and they have averaged 80.3 points scored while allowing 77.1 points. Their away record has been less favorable, as they have yet to secure a win in their last three away games, dropping to 0-2 in that span.
Historically, Xavier has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Butler, winning both of their encounters in the previous season. The Musketeers defeated the Bulldogs 76-63 at home on February 19, 2025, and again on March 6, 2025, with a score of 91-78. This trend continued in their latest matchup, further solidifying Xavier's dominance in this rivalry.
The injury report did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This factor contributed to the competitive nature of the game, as both teams were able to execute their strategies effectively.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings set the odds with Xavier as a slight favorite, giving Butler a spread of -1.5. The total points line was set at 161.5, with the over priced at -108 and the under at -112. The moneyline odds reflected Xavier at +105 and Butler at -125, indicating a close contest expected by the market.
The game conditions were conducive to high-scoring action, with both teams demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Xavier's ability to score effectively in transition and their proficiency from beyond the arc were key factors in their victory. The Musketeers' scoring plays included a series of impressive shots, such as a 27-foot three-point jumper by Filip Borovicanin and a series of dunks by Yohan Traore, who showcased his athleticism throughout the game.
As the game progressed, Xavier maintained control, leading by as much as 15 points in the second half. Butler attempted to mount a comeback, but Xavier's defense held firm, allowing them to secure the win. The final scoring plays included a three-point jumper from Butler's Yame Butler, but it was not enough to close the gap.
In summary, the Xavier Musketeers' victory over the Butler Bulldogs was a testament to their strong offensive performance and solid home record. With this win, Xavier continues to build momentum as they move deeper into the season, while Butler will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they look ahead.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BTLR -1.5 | 161.5 o -108 / u -112 | Butler Bulldogs -125 · Xavier Musketeers +105 |
Leaders
- PointsTre Carroll29Xavier Musketeers
- AssistsMalik Messina-Moore9Xavier Musketeers
- ReboundsTre Carroll9Xavier Musketeers
- PointsMichael Ajayi22Butler Bulldogs
- AssistsEfeosa Oliogu-Elabor5Butler Bulldogs
- ReboundsMichael Ajayi12Butler Bulldogs
Recent form
Xavier Musketeers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W178.1 scored · 77.3 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W97-84vs Providence FriarsJan 10
- L65-66at Marquette Golden EaglesJan 8
- L77-86at DePaul Blue DemonsJan 3
- L67-90vs UConn HuskiesDec 31
- W80-77at Georgetown HoyasDec 21
- L57-98vs Creighton BluejaysDec 17
- W75-57vs Missouri State BearsDec 13
- W79-74vs Cincinnati BearcatsDec 6
- W96-74vs Saint Francis Red WolvesDec 2
- W88-67vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersNov 28
Butler Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L380.3 scored · 77.1 allowed per game0-2 away
- L70-84vs St. John's Red StormJan 7
- L67-85vs Villanova WildcatsJan 3
- L85-89at Creighton BluejaysDec 31
- W101-52vs NJIT HighlandersDec 22
- W61-58vs Northwestern WildcatsDec 20
- L60-79at UConn HuskiesDec 17
- W113-110vs Providence FriarsDec 13
- L68-77vs Boise State BroncosDec 6
- W84-68vs Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 3
- W94-69vs Wright State RaidersNov 28
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Butler Bulldogs | Xavier Musketeers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-60 | 35-74 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-27 | 9-28 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 10-12 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 26 |
| Assists | 19 | 30 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 29 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 50 |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-47Finley Bizjack makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-50All Wright makes 23-foot three point jumper (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half42-50Finley Bizjack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Finley Bizjack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-50Yame Butler makes 10-foot jumper (Michael Ajayi assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Tre Carroll makes layup (All Wright assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-55Filip Borovicanin makes 1-foot dunk (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half46-55Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Tre Carroll makes layup
- 2nd Half47-59Tre Carroll makes layup (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Michael Ajayi makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half49-61Tre Carroll makes layup
- 2nd Half49-63Malik Messina-Moore makes 2-foot dunk (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 2nd Half49-64Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-64Yohan Traore makes 3-foot dunk (Yame Butler assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Yame Butler makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-67Filip Borovicanin makes 28-foot three point jumper (Roddie Anderson III assists)
- 2nd Half54-70Jovan Milicevic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 2nd Half54-73Malik Messina-Moore makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half54-75Roddie Anderson III makes layup (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half54-77Roddie Anderson III makes 2-foot dunk (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 2nd Half56-77Yohan Traore makes 2-foot dunk (Finley Bizjack assists)
- 2nd Half59-77Michael Ajayi makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamie Kaiser Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-79Tre Carroll makes layup (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half61-79Yohan Traore makes 4-foot dunk (Finley Bizjack assists)
- 2nd Half63-79Yohan Traore makes layup (Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor assists)
- 2nd Half63-81Jovan Milicevic makes layup (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 2nd Half64-81Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-81Michael Ajayi makes 6-foot jumper (Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor assists)
- 2nd Half66-82Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-83Tre Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-83Yohan Traore makes layup
- 2nd Half68-85Tre Carroll makes 3-foot dunk (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half70-85Yohan Traore makes 11-foot jumper (Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor assists)
- 2nd Half72-85Yohan Traore makes 1-foot dunk (Michael Ajayi assists)
- 2nd Half72-88Filip Borovicanin makes 27-foot three point jumper (Pape N'Diaye assists)
- 2nd Half72-89Henry Thole makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-89Yame Butler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ethan McComb assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Xavier Musketeers, below favours Butler Bulldogs.
Venue
- Cintas CenterCincinnati, OH
- Attendance9577
- OfficialsRon Groover, Roger Ayers, Michael Palau
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond