Xavier loses to Butler

The Xavier men's basketball team had to swallow a heavy dose of its own medicine on Tuesday night in a 74-65 loss to Butler.
Xavier, who had been going to the free throw line 33.5 times per game to their opponents' 19.5 trips per game, saw the Bulldogs march to the free throw line 33 times in their victory.
The 26 points -- all in the second half -- that resulted from those free throws proved to be the difference in the game. The Bulldogs were able to overcome 30 percent shooting in the second half, by riding a strong performance at the line.
Meanwhile, Xavier could not find their stroke at the line, preventing them from consummating a constant comeback attempt. Xavier was only 12-22 from the line -- 10-17 in the second half.
The loss was Xavier's first in 15 games at Cintas Center, and second loss of the season after a 9-0 start. Xavier will be off until a home game against Robert Morris on Dec. 31.