Butler would take down No. 1-ranked Villanova on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday night, the top-ranked Villanova Wildcats would travel to the Hinkle Fieldhouse to face the Butler Bulldogs. Villanova came into this game with a perfect record of 14-0, but things would not end up going their way by the time the game clock expired.
This game became a defensive battle from the start with both teams struggling to score in the first half, especially Butler with just 27 points. However, a big second half would trend things in the opposite direction and lead to an upset victory.
The second half would see Andrew Chrabascz step up with 11 of Butler’s 37 second half points. This came on 4-for-4 shooting and two made free throws. He also added seven rebounds and three assists.
Villanova, a usually strong shooting team, struggled throughout the night. Making only six of 25 three-pointers did not help things either with five players missing three or more shots from beyond the arc. Most notably, Josh Hart had 13 points on just 3-for-11 shooting.
The rebounding margin also hurt the Wildcats, with Butler grabbing 33 compared to their 24. Chrabascz’s seven, Kelan Martin’s six and Kamar Baldwin’s five boards led the way.
Villanova’s loss snapped their 20-game winning streak, which dates back to the 2015-16 national championship season. This shouldn’t take away from anything they have done this season, but Butler simply looked like the better team for one night.
Three Stars
Jalen Brunson, Villanova – Despite the loss, Brunson had a game-high 23 points on nine for 16 shooting.
Andrew Chrabascz, Butler – 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists was what the senior forward tallied in the upset win.
Kamar Baldwin, Butler – Baldwin’s 10 points, some of which were scored late, helped Butler top Villanova.
Highlights
"Kamar Baldwin beats the first half buzzer!HALFTIME: No.1 @NovaMBB leads No.18 @ButlerMBB 31-27. #BIGEAST https://t.co/JfVggeLDEm— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
"Tyler Wideman with the SLAM for the @ButlerMBB lead over No.1 Villanova! #BIGEAST https://t.co/GQdd7wosMn— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
"Back and forth we go! No.1 @NovaMBB & No.18 @ButlerMBB battling on FS1! #BIGEAST https://t.co/ngvZ0b0xuU— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
"All tied up at 47! No.1 @NovaMBB & No.18 @ButlerMBB coming down to the wire on FS1 & #FOXSportsGO! #BIGEAST https://t.co/Tx87Ozu31E— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
"When his team needs him most, Josh Hart always shows up.AND-1 for No.1 @NovaMBB. #BIGEAST https://t.co/ElA6weBpbX— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
"Steal, Bucket, AND 1.No. 18 @ButlerMBB has No.1 Villanova on the ropes! #BIGEAST https://t.co/Rldsd1ulAt— FS1 (@FS1) January 5, 2017"
Next: 12 Biggest Cinderellas In March Madness History
What’s next?
On January 7, Butler will travel to face Georgetown. Villanova will also look to get back on track on that same night with a home game against Marquette.