INDIANAPOLIS – Upe Atosu scored a career-high 23 points on Monday night to help Butler defeat Xavier 73-61. The Bulldogs also got a career night from freshman Nyamer Diew. She was terrific in the win recording 12 points, four rebounds, four steals and five blocked shots.
 
How It Happened
Butler ended the first quarter on a 13-1 scoring run to grab a 26-19 lead over Xavier. Bulldog fans had a scare in the opening stages of the contest as Okako Adika checked out of the game after an apparent leg injury. Adika had scored the first four points of the night for BU and Genesis Parker would come up with the next five. A'riana Gray led the charge for the Musketeers early and often. She had six at the first media timeout and would lead all players with 13 at the half. Adika battled with Gray in the paint after checking back into the game with 3:16 to play in the first quarter.
 
A 10-0 Xavier scoring run would put the Musketeers back in front midway through the second quarter. That scoring spree moved the score to 33-31 and Xavier would lead by one (37-36) after 20 minutes of play. Parker and Upe Atosu each had 10 at the break. Nia Clark posted 10 for Xavier and Aaliyah Dumham was impressive with nine.
 
The difference in tonight's outcome was the start to both the third and fourth quarters. Butler outscored Xavier 7-1 at the start of the third to create a five-point lead at 43-38 and force Xavier into a timeout. That five-point cushion would hold all the way to the end of the third (52-47).
 
Atosu had 17 points after three quarters and with three quick free throws in the fourth she landed on 20. Her play helped BU start the final frame on a 7-2 scoring run and push the Bulldog lead to 59-49. Xavier picked up the intensity, but never got any closer and the Bulldogs would end the night in the win column for the second time this season.
 
Stat of the Game
Nyamer Diew was +27 tonight when on the floor and led BU with five blocked shots and four steals.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Genesis Parker tied her season-high point total with 18 against the Musketeers
- Okako Adika supplied Butler with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
- Micah Scheetz helped close out the game with a season-high eight rebounds
- The Bulldogs only had five first half turnovers and would end the game with 14
- Butler topped 70 points for just the second time this season
- The Bulldogs shot 42.9 percent from the floor while limiting Xavier to 32 percent shooting
- BU shot 16-for-19 from the free throw line. They were led by Atosu (10-for-11)
 
Up Next
Butler will host #1 UConn on Saturday, Feb. 27. The 4:30 tip will be senior day for Jaia Alexander, Upe Atosu, Genesis Parker and Micah Scheetz. All four student-athletes will be recognized before tip.