January 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, United States; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) reacts after making a shot during the first half against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Photographs
Eric Dixon scored 28 points to lead Villanova to a 73-65 comeback victory on the road at Butler on Wednesday night in Indianapolis, extending the Bulldogs’ losing streak to six games.
The Wildcats (9-5, 2-1 Massive East) went on a 22-1 run in the final five minutes of the game to erase a 13-point deficit and take the lead.
Wooga Poplar also added 18 for Villanova along with a game-high 15 rebounds.
Jahmyl Telfort led Butler (7-7, 0-3) with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The Bulldogs did not make a field goal in the final six minutes of the game and missed 10 of their final 11 shot attempts.
It was a back and forth first part. The Wildcats went on a 6-0 run late in the half to temporarily take the lead, but Finley Bizjack’s 3-pointer gave the Bulldogs a 31-30 lead before halftime.
Butler was strong offensively to start the second half. With 12 minutes left, the Bulldogs led by five thanks to Telfort’s two free throws.
They went on a stretch where they made five of six field goals and soon after increased their biggest lead of the day to 13 with six minutes left.
However, the Wildcats responded in a big way.
Villanova’s run was fueled by Jordan Longino and Dixon. Those two hit consecutive 3-pointers to give the Wildcats a 65-64 lead with 1:35 left.
Butler committed turnovers the next three times he had the ball, suddenly giving Villanova a 69-64 lead with 27 seconds left.
From there, Villanova made their free throws and Butler continued to miss all of their opportunities from the field.
–Media at field level
