Musketeers Top Butler, 57-54, on Senior Day

Sunday, February 25

Cincinnati, Ohio

2 p.m.

Xavier University

10-19 (3-15)

Butler

14-16 (6-12)

Butler

Xavier

02.25.18 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats (PDF)Game Photos Senior Day Photos

Jada Byrd finished with 12 points, five steals and four assists

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI – Xavier women's basketball picked up a 57-54 win over Butler on Sunday afternoon at Cintas Center. The contest served as 'Senior Day' for Anniina Äijänen and Jada Byrd.

The Musketeers ended regular-season play with a 10-19 (3-15 BIG EAST) record, while the Bulldogs moved to 14-16 (6-12 BIG EAST). Xavier swept the season series with Butler.

THE STORYLINES

• The game featured five ties and 10 lead changes with neither team leading by double figures during the contest.

• Butler hit 54.5 percent (6-for-11) of it shot attempts in the opening quarter, but the Musketeers scored seven points off of turnovers to tie the game at 16 after 10 minutes of action.

• Xavier opened the second quarter on a 17-9 run fueled by six Kindell Fincher points, taking its largest lead of the game, 33-25, with 3:50 on the clock. Butler responded by scoring seven unanswered points to end the half and make it a one-point game (33-32).

• Kindell Fincher led the Musketeers with nine points at the break, while A'riana Gray paced the team on the glass with five rebounds. Xavier held a 15-14 advantage on the glass.

• Butler opened the second half by outscoring Xavier, 12-7, to take its largest lead of the game, 44-40, with 1:56 on the clock. A Na'Teshia Owens desperation three pointer as time expired in the frame made the score, 44-43, heading into the final quarter.

• Butler and Xavier combined to only make five baskets in the final quarter. The Musketeers were able to seal the win by going 9-for-15 from the foul line. Xavier led by as many as six points (56-50) with just over two minutes left in regulation before hanging on for the victory.

NOTABLES

• Kindell Fincher was one of three Musketeers in double figures with a team-high 13 points. She hit four 3-pointers, while adding three rebounds and three assists.

• Jada Byrd added 12 points to go along with a game-high four assists and five steals. Na'Teshia Owens chipped in 12 points and two rebounds.

• A'riana Gray led the team on the glass with eight rebounds. The freshman forward added six points. Xavier posted a 37-36 advantage in rebounding.

• The Musketeers went 18-for-26 from the charity stripe. Xavier also held a 19-7 advantage in points off of turnovers.

UP NEXT

• Xavier opens BIG EAST Tournament action on Saturday, March 3 against No. 7 seed Seton Hall. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET from Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill.

HIGHLIGHTS