Xavier Musketeers Get the Best of Butler In Tip-Off Marathon

Nov 13, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers forward Travis Taylor (4) dunks against Butler Bulldogs guard Kellen Dunham (24) during the first half at the Cintas Center. Xavier defeated Butler 62-47. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

The Musketeers came out on Tuesday and proved why they shouldn’t be counted out this season on national television. Xavier locked horns with the Butler Bulldogs on the ESPN Tip-Off Marathon that featured a plethora of exciting college basketball games to get everyone in the hardwood spirit. The Musketeers came out victorious, silencing their critics and finishing off their new A-10 foes 62-47.

The Musketeers came out strong in the first half fueled by Jeff Robinson, who scored 12 points in the first half of the game. Xavier never trailed after they snapped a 9-9 tie 7:13 into the game. They led at halftime 36-29.

Butler struggled coming out after the half and was only able to hit one of their first 10 shots. Xavier wasted no time capitalizing on the opportunity and opened up a quick 43-33 lead. That was enough to seal the victory for the home team Musketeers, as the Bulldogs just couldn’t erase the deficit.

The Musketeers, once again, dominated both offensively and defensively. They managed to hold Butler to just 36.5 percent shooting. The team focused on pushing the Bulldogs’ shooters off the 3-point line, allowing Butler only 4 of 18 from behind the arc.

Robinson led the scorers with 17 points and 8 rebounds. He was followed by forward Travis Taylor who accumulated 15 points, 3 assists, and 9 rebounds during the game. Justin Martin added 10 points and 3 rebounds, Dee Davis had 9 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound, and Brad Redford came off of the bench to put up 9 points. Freshman Christon led the team in assists with 8 and put up 2 points of his own.

Xavier will face Robert Morris at home on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to finish their season opening home stand.