By Jack McCarthy
Special to BigEast.com

Postgame Quotes

CHICAGO — Butler missed two chances to extend a lead in the final 30 seconds but still prevailed as a last-ditch Xavier shot fell short in a 48-47 Big East women's tournament victory on Saturday at DePaul's McGrath-Phillips Arena.

Senior guard Blaire Langlois collected a game-high 20 points and eight rebounds as the Bulldogs beat the Musketeers for the first time in three tries and earned a Sunday quarterfinals showdown with top seed DePaul.

No. 9 Butler (10-20) went ahead for good on freshman Tori Schickel's layup with 1:32 left in regulation. The Bulldogs then twice missed a pair of two-shot free throw opportunities — both by forward Brittany Ward.

No. 8 seed Xavier (17-13) lost a chance to go ahead when it gave up possession on a shot clock violation with 59 seconds left and Briana Glover then missed a layup with nine seconds showing.

An off-balance shot by guard Raeshaun Gaffney fell short following an inbounds pass with 1.7 seconds left.

Guard Jenna Crittendon scored 14 points while Glover added 13 for Xavier.

Langlois scored a game-high 11 first half points and launched a late 11-2 run with a jumper and 3-pointer as the Bulldogs moved to a 24-15 halftime lead.  The Musketeers were plagued by 6-for-29 (20.7 percent) shooting from the field.

Shooting improved in the third quarter as Xavier sprinted past Butler en route to a  36-33 lead entering the final 10 minutes.

Xavier beat Butler in both regular season meetings, including a 55-47 home decision on Jan. 29 as the Musketeers held the Bulldogs to just one fourth quarter point in a 55-47 triumph.

DePaul, ranked 18th nationally and a poll presence all season, swept both regular season meetings with Butler.