Eric Dixon, Villanova push past Butler for third straight win

Field Level Media|published: Tue 20th February, 20:50 2024

Feb 20, 2024; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) controls the ball against Butler Bulldogs guard Jahmyl Telfort (11) and forward Jalen Thomas (1) during the second half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. credits: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Dixon scored 22 points to lift host Villanova past Butler 72-62 on Tuesday.

Dixon's 3-pointer from the corner with 1:01 left gave the Wildcats that exact lead. Justin Moore and Brendan Hausen added 13 apiece for Villanova (15-11, 8-7 Big East), which won its third in a row.

The Wildcats finished 10-of-24 from 3-point territory and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line.

Jahmyl Telfort led Butler with 19 points while Posh Alexander added 15 and Pierre Brooks II had 10.

The Bulldogs (16-11, 7-9) lost their third straight game. They missed nine of their last 11 attempts from the field — all nine coming from 3-point range — as they finished 11-for-29 from distance.

Dixon hit two free throws with 5:47 left. After Telfort missed a 3-pointer from the corner, Dixon stayed aggressive and made two more free throws for a 63-54 Villanova lead with 5:07 remaining.

Telfort connected from 3-point range with 4:20 left and the Bulldogs got within 63-57, but they would draw no closer than six points down the stretch.

Villanova led 44-35 at halftime thanks in large part to 11 points from Moore and 60.7 percent shooting as a team. Alexander hit all four of his 3-pointers to pace the Bulldogs with 12 points.

Alexander dropped in a 3-pointer from the wing over the outstretched arms of TJ Bamba with 9:26 remaining in the first half for a 23-22 Butler lead. Dixon responded with a trey with 8:20 left as the Wildcats went back in front.

Villanova took a 31-26 lead with 5:30 remaining after Moore hit a 3-pointer from the corner. Telfort came right back with a 3-pointer on Butler's next possession.

Moore fired a crisp pass into the lane that Tyler Burton caught, and he scored for a 35-29 advantage with 3:44 left.

After trailing by nine at halftime, Butler cut the deficit to 48-46 with 13:28 left in the second half following a deep 3-pointer by Telfort.

Hausen then hit a short jump shot and a trey for the Wildcats to pull out to a 53-46 advantage.

—Field Level Media