VILLANOVA, Pa. – Butler continued its free fall after ascending to its highest in-season ranking ever.
No. 11 Villanova built a 17-point lead in the first minute of the second half, then rolled to its 21st consecutive homecourt victory by beating the No. 12 Bulldogs 76-61 Tuesday night at the Finneran Pavilion.
Butler, which was ranked No. 5 last week, lost its third in row since then to become 15-4 overall and 3-3 in Big East basketball.
Jermaine Samuels scored 20 points and three teammates 14 each for Villanova (15-3, 5-1). The Wildcats have won 11 of 12 and are 27-1 in Big East games in their home pavilion since the conference realigned.