Pacers Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead Over Knicks

 

    The Indiana Pacers are one win away from their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2000. 

    Indiana took a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Indiana set the tone from the start of the game. Tyrese Haliburton had a triple double, Pascal Siakam had 30 points and Ben Mathurin had 20 points off the bench to help Indiana defeat New York 130-121. Indiana now heads back to New York looking to take the next step and advance to the NBA Finals. 

    Tuesday night was the Tyrese Haliburton show. He became the first player in NBA playoff history with a game of at least 30 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and zero turnovers. His 15 assists without a turnover are the most by a player in Conference Finals history. Not only was Haliburton scoring, he was setting the tone with his passing. Indiana shot 63 percent from the floor just on passes from Haliburton alone. After blaming himself for the Pacers losing a double digit lead in game 3 and the game slipping away on Sunday night, Haliburton vowed to be more aggressive in game four. Safe to say he was that and much more. Haliburton is now the Pacers all time leader in triple-double games in playoff history breaking a tie with Mark Jackson, Paul George and Victor Oladipo. 

    In addition to Haliburton being more aggressive, the Pacers as a unit were much more aggressive on Tuesday night. Indiana got back to their usual way of playing this season which has made them so hard to defend. The up tempo, run and gun style that the Pacers are known for was in full force in game four. The Pacers scored 130 points which was the most they have scored in regulation all season and the second most they have scored in the playoffs. Indiana shot 51 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three point range. In game three the Pacers became more conservative on offense and Tuesday night they got back to what makes them one of the toughest teams in the NBA. 

    Indiana was led in scoring by Haliburton's 32 points. Also contributing in double figures for Indiana was Pascal Siakam with 30 points, Aaron Nesmith added 16 points despite a sprained ankle suffered in game three. Myles Turner added 13 and Ben Mathurin added 20 points off the bench in a bounce back game that was sorely needed. 

The Pacers once again proved to know about what their problems were in the previous game and the ability to adjust for the next game to come out with a win. The Pacers have lost game three in every series they have played in these playoffs, only to turn around and win game four every time to take a 3-1 series lead. 

    New York had a balanced scoring output. The Knicks received double digit contributions from several players. Led By Jalen Brunson's 31 points. Also scoring in double figures for New York included 24 points from Karl Anthony Towns, 22 points from OG Anunoby, 17 points from Mikal Bridges and 12 points from Josh Hart. 

    New York now has their backs against the wall. Their only chance to come back and win this series is to win three games in a row against a team that hasn't lost back to back games since March. Tall task ahead for the Knicks. 

Knicks Comeback Stuns Pacers

 

    Usually it's Indiana who is on the receiving end of making miraculous comebacks, this time the Knicks stole the spotlight in Indianapolis, coming back from a 20 point deficit to defeat Indiana 106-100 in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

    Indiana led 55-35 in the second quarter and it seemed like the Pacers were going to put the Knicks on the brink. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit in  NBA history. The Pacers crowd sensed that the Pacers were so close to putting their arch rivals in a hole that would be impossible to overcome. Indiana led by as many as 20. New York trimmed the lead to 13 at half but there wasn't a sense of panic. The Pacers were in full control of the game. Then the fourth quarter began and everything began to change. 

    The Pacers were leading by ten going into the fourth quarter. Indiana had gotten New York into foul trouble with Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns having four fouls each. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until it wasn't. The fourth quarter became the Karl Anthony Towns show. He scored 20 points in the fourth quarter alone which matched the Pacers total in the quarter as a team. New York went on a 32-18 run in the fourth to surge ahead. Towns contributed on New York's first 17 points in the quarter either by scoring or rebounding. 

    Indiana who had been shooting tremendously from the floor during the series struggled on Sunday night. The Pacers were the only team in the playoffs to shoot 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three point range. Indiana on Sunday night shot 42 percent from the floor and a dismal 5-25 from the three point line. 

    Indiana was led in scoring by Tyrese Haliburton who scored 20 points. Also scoring in double figures for the Pacers were Pascal Siakam with 17 points and Myles Turner with 19 points. T.J. McConnell off the bench scored 12 points. This was the first game in which the Pacers starting five failed to score in double figures since game 4 of the Conference Semi Finals against Cleveland. Aaron Nesmith didn't have a double figure scoring night due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the third quarter. The Knicks were led in scoring by Towns who scored a game high 24 points. New York also received double digit scoring games from Brunson with 23, Mikal Bridges with 15, and OG Anunoby with 16 points. 

    Indiana has become used to game 3 letdowns. The Pacers lost game 3 in both the first round against Milwaukee and second round against Cleveland only to come back and win games 4 and 5 of those series to advance to the next rounds. Perhaps this is a good omen for the Pacers and their fans. Game four is set for Tuesday night at 8 pm. Indiana will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over their arch rivals heading back to New York. 

Pacers Down Knicks in Game Two

 

    The Indiana Pacers have taken a stranglehold on the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals over the New York Knicks, winning the first two games in Madison Square Garden to take a commanding series lead back home to Indiana, they are halfway to the 2025 NBA Finals. 

    Led by the career high 39 points of Pascal Siakam, Indiana went on a 33-28 run in the fourth quarter to come home with the victory 114-109. Game one on Wednesday night was defined by the amazing comeback by the Pacers late in the game. Game two on Friday was more traditional style of basketball. in total there were 17 lead changes, 17 ties and going into the fourth quarter the game was tied at 81. The Pacers went on a 13-4 run to begin the quarter and from then on the Pacers would exterminate any momentum the Knicks had to hold on for the win. 

    In game one, the story for the Indiana Pacers was the fourth quarter barrage of three pointers from Aaron Nesmith and the clutch basket by Tyrese Haliburton. In game two, it was Pascal Siakam. From the opening tip, Siakam made his presence felt. In the first half alone, Siakam scored 23 of his playoff career high 39 points. Siakam's 39 points are the seventh most in a playoff game in Indiana Pacers history. 

    Indiana's well balanced scoring and bench depth was on display again. Just like in game one, the Pacers had six players in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton was on the quieter side of the scoring on Friday but still managed to record a double double with 14 points and 11 assists. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith each had 12 points, Myles Turner scored 16 and T.J. McConnell added 10 points off the bench. Indiana has proven their depth gives them an advantage. Friday night, seldomly played Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley helped provide Indiana with and much needed help off the bench after the Pacers were plagued with foul trouble early. 

    While the Pacers have taken advantage of the series, New York is in dire need of answers. New York relies heavily on the scoring of Jalen Brunson who did his part again on Friday, scoring 36 points. New York also had double digit scoring from OG Anunoby with 16 points, Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 20. New York won the first two quarters. Led at halftime but couldn't keep up down the stretch. Every time the Knicks seemed to gain momentum, Indiana answered. The Pacers dominated the on the offensive side of the ball. New York allowed the Pacers to shoot 52 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three point range. New York choked away game one at the end, game two Indiana's balanced scoring attack doomed New York. The Knicks must respond in Indiana or else their season will be over. 

    While Madison Square Garden is known for its glitz and glamor with it's celebrity front row and rowdy fan base, it can be intimidating for opponents but Indiana hasn't been fazed. Not only have the Pacers taken the first two games in New York, they now go back home to Indiana. A state where basketball is religion. With the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday and then the Pacers game down the street that evening, Indiana will be the sports capital of the world this weekend. The atmosphere will be just as electric and crazy as anywhere in the country. 

    Indiana has been known as the road warriors in the NBA playoffs. They have set a franchise playoff record with six consecutive wins away from Indiana. The Pacers have shown to not be intimidated by going into the opposition's arena and taking the win. They did it against Milwaukee, Cleveland and now New York. 

    Friday night was the 50th playoff meeting in this historic rivalry between New York and Indiana. The Pacers led the series 28-22.  

    

Pacers Stun Knicks in Game One

 

    The Pacers and Knicks have been known for their memorable matchups in the playoffs over the years. Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden added another chapter to this historic rivalry.  Indiana who have been synonymous with late game comebacks in the 2025 playoffs once again proved it's never over until it's over. Pacers take  game one of the Eastern Conference Finals 138-135 in overtime. 

    The Pacers trailed the Knicks by 14 points with 2:51 remaining in the game before they began a furious comeback. Led by the three point shooting of Aaron Nesmith, who hit six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone and Tyrese Haliburton who had the big shot that sent the game into overtime. As he has done several times this postseason, Haliburton became Mr. Clutch. His game tying shot will be talked about forever. As the clock dwindled down and the Pacers down 125-123, Haliburton drove in the lane only to spin back out and put up a shot from the top of the key. The ball hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air and came down right through the net with no time left. Originally thought as a game winning three pointer was called a two. Overtime. Madison Square Garden was in stunned silence. 

    Just like Reggie Miller had done 30 years prior, the Pacers had staged another incredible comeback in New York City. Haliburton's celebration afterwards had revitalized old memories from the Pacers and Knicks past. As soon as the shot went in, Haliburton proceeded to give the choke sign to Knicks fans. Reggie Miller was famous for giving the choke sign to Spike Lee in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. 

    Indiana didn't let Haliburton's shot go by the wayside as they made key baskets in the extra session to defeat New York 138-135 to take a one game series lead in the best of seven Conference Finals. The Pacers were led in scoring by Haliburton with 31 points, and Aaron Nesmith who scored a career high of 30 points including six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone to match an NBA playoff record. Nesmith and Haliburton became the third Pacers duo to score 30 points each in a playoff game. All five Pacers starters scored in double figures. The Pacers bench was very efficient as well with T.J. McConnell scoring 10 points while Obi Toppin had a team high 10 rebounds and several big dunks in overtime. 

    The Pacers survived game one despite scoring outbursts from New York. The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns. Brunson scored 43 points while Towns added a double double with 35 points and 13 rebounds. New York also had double figure games from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby who each scored 16 points. New York also out rebounded Indiana 46-39. 

    This playoff year has been defined by comebacks by the Indiana Pacers. They have won three different games in which they trailed by seven or more points with less than a minute to play. They trailed Milwaukee 118-111 with 34 seconds left in the first round. Trailed Cleveland 119-112 with 46 seconds remaining in the second round. Now they add another improbable win after trailing 121-112 with 52 seconds left against New York. According to research, since 1996-97 teams trailing by seven points in the last 50 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime are 4-1702. The Pacers have three of those four wins this year. The Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 in regulation which is the most by any team during a run like that in NBA playoff history. Call it improbable, call it unbelievable, call it whatever you want, this Pacers team just will not quit. They have proven the game is never over until the final buzzer sounds. 

     Game two is set for Friday night. The Pacers seem to have the right mentality going into game two. They know this series is far from over and they understand that New York will come out in a desperate mode and the Pacers must match that intensity. Indiana has stolen the critical home court advantage from the Knicks and they will look to send an even bigger message to New York in game two. 

    

    

Pacers vs Knicks Playoff History

 

    

    The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have waged some of the most memorable battles in NBA playoff history. These two teams have met eight times in the postseason. The Knicks winning in 1993, 1994, 1999. Indiana with wins in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2013, and 2024. Games and players that will be remembered forever. Hall of Famers such as Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson, Chris Mullin and Carmelo Anthony. Excellent role players who complimented their teams and made each squad a complete unit on the court. Those players included names such as Dale Davis, John Starks, Jalen Rose, Greg Anthony, Rik Smits, Derek Harper, Derrick McKey, Allen Houston, Antonio Davis, Charles Oakley, Byron Scott and Latrell Sprewell. Head coaches who roamed the sidelines like Pat Riley, Larry Bird, Larry Brown and Jeff Van Gundy. Players, coaches and so many memories. This rivalry had it all. Now in 2025, these two franchises meet again in the Eastern Conference Finals. Four wins away from the NBA Finals. 

   Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in this rivalry. 

    This rivalry began in the first round of the 1993 playoffs. The Pacers were the number 8 seed facing off against the number 1 seed Knicks. The Pacers came into this series a very young squad and the heavily favored Knicks dispatched of them in four games, winning the series 3-1. This series is most known for the incident that took place at Market Square Arena in game three. This is when the rivalry was born. The Pacers were down 2-0 in the series and needed a win to keep their season alive. Pacers sharpshooter Reggie Miller who was known for his trash talking decided to get in the head of Knicks guard John Starks. 

    Miller would antagonize Starks all game and with the Pacers up big late in the contest, Starks would hit his breaking point. As both players ran down the floor, Miller would nudge Starks and then while confronting the Pacers guard, John Starks would proceed to headbutt him. The incident would see Starks ejected from the game much to the delight of Miller and the Indiana crowd. The Pacers would win the game but ultimately fall in four games. The Knicks would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to the eventual champion Chicago Bulls. This however set the stage for what was to become one of the most storied rivalries in NBA History. 

    The following year in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals the Pacers and Knicks series would become the rivalry that the rest of the NBA would be talking about for the foreseeable future. 

    The Pacers came into the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals in unprecedented territory. They dispatched of Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic in the first round by sweeping them. This marked the first time in their NBA history that the Pacers would win a playoff series. They next defeated the top seeded Atlanta Hawks in six games. This would bring the basketball crazy state of Indiana to a boiling point. Nobody thought the Indiana Pacers would be playing for a chance at the NBA Finals. The Knicks were waiting. Things were about to get very interesting. 

    After The Knicks won the first two games in New York, the Pacers would return the favor and take the next two games in Indianapolis. Up next was game five back at Madison Square Garden in New York. This game was known for the players on the court and a certain fan sitting in the front row. Enter the Reggie Miller vs Spike Lee saga. 

    For much of game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks were in firm control of the game. The Knicks held a 70-58 lead going into the fourth quarter. Things seemed bleak for the Pacers and Reggie Miller was playing poorly. Miller was also hearing it from the Knicks biggest fan, movie director Spike Lee who had a front row seat. The last quarter will go down as one of the most astonishing shooting displays in playoff history. Reggie Miller caught fire. He scored 25 points in the fourth quarter. Every bucket Miller scored, he would proceed to stare at Spike Lee. At one point Miller would give Spike Lee the choke sign. Miller's antics along with his shooting propelled the Pacers to a comeback victory 93-86 and a 3-2 lead in the series. The Pacers were one win away from The NBA Finals. 

    Back in Indianapolis for game six, the state of Indiana was at a fever pitch. The whole state was a buzz. The Indiana faithful would come out in force in support of their beloved Pacers and to show their distain for the Knicks and Spike Lee. Indiana was ready to move onto the NBA Finals and face the Houston Rockets. This however was not meant to be. With Spike Lee courtside at Market Square Arena, the Knicks would shock the Pacers on their home floor and win game six by a score of 98-91. John Starks led the Knicks with 26 points. It was back to New York for the decisive game seven. 

    Game seven was another close battle throughout but the Knicks would prevail 94-90 behind the heroics of their superstar center Patrick Ewing. His put back dunk with under a minute left would be the nail in the Pacers coffin. The Knicks advanced to their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1973. The Pacers had nothing to be ashamed of. They put themselves on the NBA map and let the rest of the league take notice that they would be around for a long time. The Knicks would come close but end up falling in seven games to the Houston Rockets in the Finals. The Pacers and Knicks rivalry was just heating up. 

    The Pacers and Knicks would meet for the third year in a row during the playoffs in 1995. This time would be in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. The Pacers would defeat the Atlanta Hawks in a sweep in the first round. New York would defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first round matchup in five games. The Pacers and Knicks were set to meet for a chance to advance to the Conference Finals. This series had some intriguing headlines. Mark Jackson, who played for the Knicks from 1987-1992 and was born in New York was now a member of the Indiana Pacers. He wanted revenge on his former team for letting him go. 

    Game one of the 1995 series was one that fans of either team will ever forget. The stage was set in New York. With the Pacers down 105-99 with 18.7 seconds left, it seemed over. Most fans had started heading for the exits. Then the unthinkable. Reggie Miller hit a three pointer to cut the Knicks lead to 105-102. Miller would then steal the inbound pass and race back to the three point line where he buried another to tie the game at 105. Madison Square Garden was in shock. Stunned silence. Miller would then be fouled after John Starks missed two potential game winning free throws. Reggie would make his two free throws to put the Pacers up 107-105 with seven seconds left. The Pacers would go onto win the game. This comeback would be remembered as eight points in eight point nine seconds. Reggie Miller officially cemented himself as New York's biggest nightmare.

    The series would go back and forth. New York winning game two, the Pacers winning games three and four at Market Square Arena. The Pacers looked to knock out the Knicks from the playoffs but New York wouldn't go down without a fight. The Knicks fought back to win games five and six to set up another decisive game seven at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This game would decide who would go onto the Eastern Conference Finals and face the Orlando Magic. 

    Game 7 would be an instant classic. Indiana had a big lead but New York fought back to close the gap late in the game. With the Pacers leading 97-95 with just seconds left, New York had the basketball. Patrick Ewing drove to the basket and had a wide open layup with a chance to send the game into overtime. The ball bounced off the back of the rim and fell off. Game over. The Pacers had finally beaten the Knicks in a playoff series. Though they would fall to Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games, the Pacers knew they were a contender for the NBA Championship. They had the belief. 

    The rivalry in the playoffs would lay dormant for the next few seasons but would pick right back up in 1998. The Pacers and Knicks would meet in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. This series was much more exciting for Indiana than it was for New York. The Pacers would take care of the Knicks in five games. The memorable moment from this series took place in game four. Reggie Miller would stick a dagger in New York City once again in Madison Square Garden. His three pointer to tie the game in the final seconds would send it to overtime where the Pacers would go onto win 118-107. Indiana would wrap up the series in the next game at home to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in seven games. 

    1999 was another series to remember. The Pacers looked like they were on their way to the NBA Finals. The Knicks came into the playoffs as the number eight seed. No eight seed had ever made the NBA Finals. The Pacers had defeated Cleveland and Philadelphia in their first two playoff series. New York upset the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks to make an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals.  The Pacers were the favorites coming into the matchup with their arch rivals. 

    The Pacers had the home court advantage but the Knicks took game one in Indianapolis 93-90. Indiana bounced back in game two 88-86 and the stage was headed back to New York. Game three was memorable for its ending. Down by three with seconds left, Knicks forward Larry Johnson took a three pointer from the wing. Pacers forward Antonio Davis fouled Johnson on the shot. Johnson made the three pointer. Madison Square Garden was in a frenzy. He would then make the free throw to win the game for New York 92-91. The Knicks took a 2-1 series lead. Indiana never recovered as New York would win the series in six games. They became the first team in NBA history to advance to the NBA Finals as the eight seed. The Knicks would fall to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals in six games. 

    In 2000 once again the Pacers and Knicks met in the Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana was desperate to finally get over the hump and advance to the NBA Finals. The Pacers came into the series as the Eastern Conference's top seed. They had the home court advantage in their brand new arena, Conseco Fieldhouse. This would finally be the year Indiana would make the climb. The Pacers would win the first two games in Indianapolis, the Knicks followed up with two wins in New York. Indiana would win game five at home. Back to New York for game six. This was the game that Indiana and its fans had waited for. 

    Game six in New York was a game where Reggie Miller took over and finally led his team to the NBA Finals. His 33 points would help the Pacers beat the Knicks 93-80 and for the first time in their history, the Indiana Pacers were headed to the NBA Finals. Indiana was on cloud nine. After years of trying and several failed attempts in the Conference Finals against their arch rivals, the Pacers finally conquered the demons in their own backyard.  

    The Pacers and Knicks playoff rivalry would fade away for the next 13 years. Both franchises would see their future Hall of Fame players retire. The teams would have their share of struggles in the mid-late 2000s into the 2010s. In 2013 the playoff rivalry that had been dormant for over a decade finally resurfaced in the second round. New players such as Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. New coaches like Frank Vogel and former IU standout Mike Woodson.  However, the same memories remained for both fanbases. The anticipation was as eagerly exciting as it was in the 1990s. The Pacers would have the final word as they defeated the Knicks in six games to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to eventual champion Miami. The defining moment in this series was in game six when Pacers center Roy Hibbert blocked Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony on a dunk attempt to help the Pacers to a victory. 

    Once again the rivalry lay quiet for the next decade when a new era emerged to bring back the nostalgia of playoff basketball between New York and Indiana in 2024. This time around it was players like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner for the Pacers and Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart for the Knicks. The teams would square off in the second round. Indiana would once again take the hearts of the New York and win an epic series in seven games, culminating in a game seven triumph in Madison Square Garden 130-109. The Pacers set an NBA playoff record in game seven by shooting 67 percent from the floor.  

    So here we are once again in 2025. The Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana vs New York. Winner advances to the NBA Finals. This is the first time in 25 years these teams will have met in the Conference Finals. This rivalry stretches generations. The moments and memories will be talked about for years to come. It just wouldn't be the NBA playoffs without the Pacers and the Knicks rivalry. 

Butler Outduels Creighton in Omaha

 

    Butler picked up a key road win on Friday night, defeating13th ranked Creighton 99-98. 

    The Bulldogs got the defensive stop at the end of what was an offensive slugfest the whole game. Sophomore Landon Moore knocked away a pass with no time on the clock to give Butler their first win at Creighton since 2015. 

    The whole night was a battle of knock down shooting. Both teams shot 55 percent from the field. Butler made 13 three pointers on the evening and 59 percent overall from beyond the arc which is a significant stat given the fact that Creighton is ranked as the Big East's top defensive team. This game was the first Big East game since 2011 in which both teams scored atleast 95 points in regulation. 

    Butler was led in scoring by senior Jahmyl Telfort's 26 points which matched his season high. D.J. Davis scored 22 points including three from downtown. Junior Pierre Brooks added 14 points and continues his streak of reaching double figures in every game this season. Rounding out the scoring for Butler in double figures was Finley Bizjack who was a key contributor off the bench. He and Landon Moore were given more minutes this game with the foot injury to starting point guard Posh Alexander. 

    Creighton got their double figure scoring in bunches from four key players who each had 20 or more points. Steven Ashworth and Baylor Scheierman each scored 26 points for the host Blue Jays. Trey Alexander finished with 22 points. Ryan Kaulkbrenner, Creighton's first team all Big East selection from a year ago finished with a near double double as he recorded 20 points and nine rebounds. The only other player to score for Creighton on the evening was Francisco Farabello who had four points. 

    In a back and forth contest the whole evening, Creighton took a ten point lead 47-37 with two minutes left in the first half. Butler responded with a quick 8-2 run to end the half with key three pointers by Pierre Brooks and then Finley Bizjack's nothing but net 35 footer at the buzzer to cut the Blue Jay's lead to 49-45. Creighton shot 61 percent from the floor in the first half and was led by Baylor Scheierman's 17 points while Butler was led in the first half in scoring by Jahmyl Telfort's 14 points. 

    Butler began the second half on a 15-7 run and took a 60-56 lead lead less than four minutes into the second half. 

    Creighton's last lead of the game came with 12 minutes to go when they held a 68-67 lead. Three ties followed but the Bulldogs never trailed the rest of the ballgame. 

    Butler's largest lead of the game came when D.J. Davis knocked down a three pointer to give the Bulldogs a 87-82 advantage with six minutes left in regulation. 

    Butler held a 97-94 lead with 49 seconds remaining Butler would then proceed to foul the Blue Jays in order to protect their lead. 

    Things then became a little hectic to say the least. 

    Ryan Kalkbrenner made two free throws to cut into the Butler lead to make it 97-96 with 11 seconds left. Creighton then had several chances to go ahead. 

    Butler was inbounding the basketball when the pass was deflected off D.J. Davis leg and went out of bounds, giving the ball back to Creighton. The Blue jays then proceeded to turn the ball over themselves when Trey Alexander lost the ball on the inbound pass. D.J. Davis was fouled by Francisco Farabello who inadvertently poked Davis in the eye. Davis was unable to shoot the free throws. Freshman Boden Kapke was able to step in and step up for the Bulldogs by knocking down both free throws. Score was now 99-96 Bulldogs with six seconds remaining. 

    Creighton would make two free throws after Trey Alexander was fouled immediately with five seconds remaining to make it 99-98 in favor of Butler.

    The Bulldogs were inbounding the ball when it came loose and Creighton would gain possession on the tie up with 0.5 seconds remaining. 

    The Blue Jays last chance fell short as Landon Moore knocked away the Blue Jays attempt to win the game. Butler held on for another road win against a top 15 opponent.

    Butler was able to win this game from key contributions from its young dogs. Freshmen Finley Bizjack and Boden Kapke stepped up big when it mattered most. Both made huge plays down the stretch, Kapke with the two free throws late and Bizjack was perfect on three pointers for the game, going three for three beyond the arc. Sophomore Landon Moore was in the starting lineup for the first time this season as he replaced Senior Posh Alexander who was dealing with a foot injury. Moore finished with eight points, two rebounds and two assists. 

    For Butler, this was a huge win for a team who hopes to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. This helps their resume with another win over a top 15 opponent on the road. Butler now sits at 15-7 on the season and 6-5 in the Big East. The Bulldogs have now won four straight and have more wins on the season than they had all of last year. Quite a turnaround for Thad Matta in his second stint as Bulldogs head coach. 

    Butler is averaging 81.5 points per game this season, their most since the 1990-91 season. 

    The Bulldogs win over the Blue Jays marked the first loss for Creighton in Omaha on a Friday night since 1975. Creighton had a 33 game winning streak at home on Friday nights. Creighton is now 16-6 on the season and 7-4 in the Big East.

    Butler's next game is trip to number 1 ranked UConn next Tuesday night. The Blue Jays will travel to Providence for a game against the Friars on Wednesday night. 

Butler Defeats Villanova in Double OT Thriller

 

    It's the year 2024 and Hinkle magic still exists. 

    Butler used that magic to overcome double digit deficits in regulation and double overtime sessions to take down Villanova 88-81 on Saturday afternoon before a very enthusiastic sellout crowd of 9,237 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. 

    Butler's sharpshooting senior guard D.J. Davis was held scoreless in the entire first half. the second half was a different story. Davis scored all of his game high 28 points in the second half and in both overtimes including five three pointers. Senior forward Jahmyl Telfort earned his first career double double in a Butler uniform with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Bulldogs was Junior Pierre Brooks with 13 points and Senior guard Posh Alexander with 12 points on the day. 

    Villanova was led in scoring by Eric Dixon who scored 28 points, Tyler Burton added a double double of his own with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

    The game started out anything but pretty for Butler. Villanova jumped out of the gate and took an early 11-0 lead to begin the ballgame. Butler didn't score it's first points until 13 minutes in the first half. Butler only managed to score three points total in the first ten minutes and trailed by 14 points. The situation seemed very bleak for the home team. 

    Things got less daunting by halftime but the Bulldogs still trailed by nine heading into the break 36-27. Villanova was on fire from inside the arc in the first half. The Wildcats were 15-20 on two pointers. Butler simply provided no resistance. If Butler was to overcome the deficit it would have to turn up the defense in the second half and also score some buckets. Butler was led in the first half by Telfort who scored 10. 

    Butler in the second half still struggled early on. Midway through the second half Butler was shooting 4-16 on layups and 2-17 on three pointers. It was a miracle they only trailed by single digits at that point in the game. Last year's Butler team would have already been down and out for the count at that stage. This year's Butler team has the resiliency and mental toughness to fight through adversity. They have proven that several times this season and they showed it once again on Saturday. 

     With four minutes to go, Villanova led by 11 points.  The metrics had Butler's chances of winning the game at only a mere four percent. Time was running out and Butler needed answers and fast. Those prayers would be answered in the form of one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Enter D.J. Davis and Jahmyl Telfort. 

    The Bulldogs trailed 64-59 with one minute remining in regulation. Davis hit a three pointer from the corner to trim the Wildcat lead to two points. After a defensive stop, Butler had the ball with twenty seconds remaining and a chance to send the game into overtime. Telfort drove to the basket and threw down a dunk with five seconds left that sent Hinkle into a frenzy. The game was tied for the first time the whole afternoon. The game was headed to overtime. 

    Butler's first lead of the game came in the extra session on a putback by senior Andre Screen to put The Bulldogs ahead 66-64. Villanova responded and once again took a four point lead in the closing minute of overtime and sure enough Butler responded right back. Davis scored a jumper from the wing and then a running layup with five seconds remaining. Double overtime was about to begin. Butler just wouldn't quit on this day.

    As they had done in the first overtime, Villanova came out and took a four point lead on two early baskets and built a 78-74 lead midway through the second overtime. Once again, Butler had an answer. An 8-0 run by the Bulldogs would give the the lead for good at 82-78. Butler would then hit six straight free throws to seal the deal. 88-81 in double overtime. Butler had completed the comeback. Most would wonder how a game like this could happen. Butler fans understand how in two simple words: Hinkle magic. 

    Despite their cold shooting stretch during the start of the game, Butler would finish the game shooting 14-20 from the field and finish overall at 43 percent. Villanova would finish the game at 48 percent shooting for the day. Butler scored 40 points over the first 30 minutes of the basketball game and then would score 48 points over the final 18 minutes. 

    Butler seems very comfortable this season when games go into the extra session. The Bulldogs are 3-1 in overtime games this year including 3-0 at Hinkle Fieldhouse and 2-0 in double overtime games.  

    Hinkle Fieldhouse has been Villanova's kryptonite for awhile now. Since 2017, the Wildcats have won only two of the last eight meetings against the Bulldogs in Indianapolis. 

    Butler travels on the road next week in a matchup with 17th ranked Creighton while Villanova heads home to take on 14th ranked Marquette next Tuesday night.