Villanova blows out Butler, 85-66

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Game Recap

If Jair Bolden had stayed hot for 40 minutes, the Bulldogs might have had a chance.

On Wednesday, Butler battled Villanova early on the back of some hot shooting from Bolden, but the South Carolina transfer cooled off and Nova took control, eventually cruising to an 85-66. victory. Collin Gillespie and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl led the way with 18 points apiece and the Wildcats dominated the turnover battle, 15-6.

Bolden scored 13 points in the first 5:05 of action, including three three-pointers, the last of which gave Butler a 17-10 lead. Villanova battled back, however, taking the lead less than five minutes later. From that point on, Butler…