Butler Bulldogs vs Villanova Wildcats Box Score on Feb 10, 2018

Omari Spellman contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds while Mikal Bridges had 10 points for the Wildcats, who improved to 23-2 overall and 10-2 in the Big East. They fell 79-75 to the Red Storm on Wednesday. Villanova hasn't lost back-to-back games in five years.

Villanova played for the second straight game without starting forward Eric Paschall (concussion) and guard Phil Booth, who's out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his right hand.

Kelan Martin hit eight 3-pointers and led Butler with 30 points while Kamar Baldwin added 25.

The Bulldogs dropped to 17-9 overall and 7-6 in the league. They had won the previous three meetings against Villanova.

The Wildcats began the second half on an 11-2 run to go ahead 46-40. Brunson and DiVincenzo recorded consecutive drives to the basket to put Villanova ahead by six.

Villanova continued with its relentless defensive pressure and DiVincenzo kept producing with a 3-pointer to give it a 58-49 lead midway through the second.

Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree scored off an offensive rebound and the Wildcats built their largest lead at 66-55 with 7:25 remaining.

Baldwin hit a pair of free throws and Butler eventually got within 68-64 with 5:20 left.

The Wildcats responded as Bridges made a big play with a steal and a drive for a one-handed dunk and a 73-64 advantage with 4:03 remaining.

Butler closed within four points late but DiVincenzo knocked down a clutch jumper to help secure the win.

Butler bolted to a 21-8 lead and maintained a 38-35 advantage at halftime.

Just like the Bulldogs accomplished in their 101-93 win over Villanova on Dec. 30, they shot a high percentage from beyond the arc once again. In that eight-point victory, Butler was 15 of 22 from 3-point territory.

Martin led the way with a 5-for-6 performance and Butler was 7 of 13 overall in the first half. Martin led all scorers with 17 points in the first half.

--Field Level Media