When Saturday's game got a little tight – a little too close to be comfortable – Paul Scruggs hopped in and out of a phone booth and saved the day for the Musketeers at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in a 68-55 win.
Scruggs was sensational. His effort down the stretch enlivened Xavier, a team that's won three straight and as of Sunday morning was listed at No. 33 in the NCAA's NET rankings.
But, Scruggs' performance didn't reveal anything we didn't already know, so let's take a look at some areas that made a difference in Saturday's result.
Freshman Colby Jones is in COVID-19 protocol and has not been cleared to play yet, which left an opening in the starting lineup at Butler.
Xavier head coach Travis Steele gave Belmont transfer Adam Kunkel his first career start, and it proved to be a decision that paid off.
Not only did Kunkel score 15 points with three 3-pointers, but he also blocked a shot at the rim by Butler's Chuck Harris with 2:45 left in the game, preserving a 59-52 lead.
Steele was asked after the game about the decision to start Kunkel.
"A lot of people make a big deal out of starting and kids make a big deal out of it as well, but for me, we have more than five starters," said Steele. "We've got a lot of good players.
