VILLANOVA, PENNSYLVANIA — After a 15-1 start to their season, Butler finds itself in a slump.
The Bulldogs went to Villanova, Pennsylvania Tuesday and did what most visiting teams do there. They lost, 76-61.
That's three straight losses for Butler which fell from fifth to 13th in the national rankings this week. The Bulldogs are now 15-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
There was a glimmer of hope for Butler in the second half. After trailing by 10 at halftime, the Bulldogs closed to within four points with 11 minutes to play. But the Wildcats outscored Butler 27-16 over the rest of the game.
The Bulldog defense, so good earlier in the season, has allowed 78, 79 and 76 points during the losing streak.
Kamar Baldwin had 21 points to lead Butler. Jermaine Samuels was high man for Villanova with 20 points.
The ninth-ranked Wildcats have won five straight games and are 15-3 overall and 5-1 in the Big East.
Butler is next in action on Friday against Marquette at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
