Box Score

Butler overcame a 2-0 deficit late in Wednesday's BIG EAST semifinal before falling in a shootout as Xavier advances to Sunday's conference championship match. The result is officially a tie for both teams as the Bulldogs are now 12-4-2 while Xavier is 11-5-3.

Xavier won the shootout, 4-1, after the teams played 110 minutes to a 2-2 draw.

The visiting Musketeers, who are the tournament's fourth seed, scored goals in the 73^rd and 77^th minutes to take a 2-0 lead. But the Bulldogs would not go quietly.

A pair of Butler defenders provided an immediate response.

Kieran Geldenhuys headed in a ball from Isaac Galliford in the 79^th minute to cut the deficit in half. Less than five minutes later, Joe Moulden headed in a Michael Peay cross to tie the match at 2-2. It was the respective second goal of the season for both.

That is how regulation would end, as well as two overtime periods. Butler keeper Eric Dick saved a penalty kick in the first overtime to extend the match after
the Bulldogs were called for a hand-ball in the box.

The eventual shootout after 110 minutes would not be as kind to the Bulldogs as Xavier converted all four of its attempts. Butler missed the frame on its first attempt and Xavier keeper Colin Hanley stopped Butler's second round try.

Xavier will now travel to Georgetown for Sunday's BIG EAST championship match. The second-seeded Hoyas will host now that the top-ranked Bulldogs have exited the tournament field.

Xavier had a 21-10 advantage in shots and a 13-3 edge in corner kicks.

Dick made nine saves, which matched his season-high.

Butler, the BIG EAST regular season champions, will now wait for its name to be called as part of the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 13. The Bulldogs have a strong tournament resume and are almost a virtual lock to receive an at-large berth in the 48-team field.