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Butler Basketball: Bulldogs knock off undefeated, top-ranked Villanova

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 30: Butler Bulldogs fans celebrate on the court after defeating the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 30, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 30: Butler Bulldogs fans celebrate on the court after defeating the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 30, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Purdue won 82-67. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Purdue won 82-67. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Moving forward after this game

Where does Villanova stand?

Despite the loss in this one, Villanova is still clearly one of the top teams in the Big East and in the entire nation. They have all the talent to be national title contenders and it would be a surprise if they do not return to the top of the AP standings at some point in the season. For ‘Nova fans, the defense will be the biggest concern after this one but there is another concern as well: How do the Wildcats beat Butler?

This game was the third consecutive loss to Butler over the last two seasons. Even with two different head coaches, Hinkle magic has found a way, either at home or on the road, to come through in each of the last three games against the Wildcats. Villanova will have a chance to get revenge when the Bulldogs come to town later in the season and you can expect that they will be ready.

Where does Butler stand?

This was a monster win for Butler. The Bulldogs were sitting on the early-season NCAA Tournament bubble before this game and they will be in a much stronger position after this win. Not only was this a great win for the postseason hopes of the Bulldogs but it also puts them in great shape for the rest of conference play.

Butler is now 2-0 in the Big East and the next three games do not get any easier. They have to face Xavier (away), Seton Hall (home), and Creighton (away) in their next stretch of games and if they can snag one or two wins in that stretch, the team will certainly have garnered the attention of the nation.

In Butler’s wins over Georgetown and Villanova this season, the elite play of Kelan Martin and Kamar Baldwin has been clear. The two stars for the Bulldogs have shown up and performed admirably when they have been needed, but they have not been alone either. Paul Jorgensen, who stepped up huge in this game, has been remarkable in his first season with the Bulldogs and he will be leaned on heavily as a high-energy scorer and shooter for the rest of the season.

Next: 5 Big East questions entering conference play

Up next for Villanova (13-1): The Wildcats will return home to face Marquette on Jan. 6.

Up next for Butler (12-3): The Bulldogs will face Xavier on the road on Jan. 2.