Butler Basketball: 5 best games from the 2019-20 season

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 05: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates with the fans after a win over the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 05, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bulldogs defeated the Wildcats 79-76. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 05: Butler Bulldogs celebrate. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Butler (79) vs. Villanova (76) – Feb. 5th

When it comes to ranking the best moments of any Butler season, it’s hard to ignore the most exciting performance in Hinkle Fieldhouse. And while there were many big plays in Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral during this past campaign, Butler’s home win over then-No. 10 Villanova is something to remember, mainly for the way that it finished.

Prior to getting to the final possession, though, Butler’s frontcourt was what showed up biggest for the majority of the game. Most notably, this was another breakout performance for sophomore Bryce Golden. The big man was absolutely incredible as he posted a season-high 18 points while igniting the Hinkle crowd with his energy on the court.

Additionally, Sean McDermott and Bryce Nze combined for 33 points and 13 rebounds of their own on 12-for-16 shooting from the field. Those two were the epitome of efficiency on the offensive end all season long and their performances in this one showcased that. Nze also had a sensational block in the first half as well.

That trio mostly led the way while Baldwin shot just 4-for-14 for the first 39:58 of the contest. But when Villanova made a massive run in the final minutes to tie the game with 25 seconds left, everyone in the gym knew Baldwin would have the ball in his hands for the final possession.

As the time ticked down, KB3 sized up Collin Gillespie with the intention of taking the ball to the rack. But, he saw an opening for a jumper and once again went to that patented step-back from the right wing. Wet.

dark. Next. 68 defining moments of the 2019-20 season

That concludes this look at Butler’s five best games from the 2019-20 season. It was certainly a special campaign filled with some incredible emotional highs with multiple go-ahead or buzzer-beating buckets and a few strong comebacks as well. It is a shame that this team wasn’t able to attempt a big run at the NCAA Tournament, but this won’t be a season easily forgotten and the senior class will surely be remembered.