butler got off to a mediocre start, losing twice in the 76 classic 82–73 to 22nd-ranked minnesota and to 19th-ranked clemson 70–69. after the tournament butler's record stood at 4–2 and the team dropped to #23 in the ap poll and #20 in the coaches' poll. butler won its next two games before falling to 13th-ranked georgetown 72–65 in the jimmy v classic. the team won its next two games beating #15 ohio state 74–66 and edging out former conference rival xavier 69–68, both at home. after losing 67–57 at uab three days later, butler stood at 9–4 and fell out of the ap rankings. however, the team remained in the coaches poll at #23.