INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Michael Ajayi scored 19 points to lead Butler to a 61-58 win over Northwestern in a low-scoring men’s basketball game Saturday at Victory Field. The Bulldogs improved to 9-3, while the Wildcats fell to 7-5. Both teams struggled offensively, with Butler shooting 37.9% from the field and Northwestern shooting 35.9%. The Wildcats went just 4 of 23 from 3-point range. Butler used an 11-5 advantage in offensive rebounds and forced 13 turnovers to create extra possessions. Northwestern’s Jayden Reid led his team with 14 points and six assists. The game featured 10 lead changes and was tied six times before Butler secured the final margin from the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — In a grinding, defensive struggle where points were a premium, Michael Ajayi’s late-game heroics lifted Butler to a narrow 61-58 victory over Northwestern in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Victory Field. The contest, characterized by frigid shooting and physical play, was decided in the final 20 seconds. With Butler clinging to a 59-58 lead after a Tre Singleton jumper for Northwestern, the Bulldogs worked the clock. Ajayi, who finished with a game-high 19 points, drove the lane and converted a crucial layup with 47 seconds remaining, assisted by Drayton Jones, to push the lead to three. Northwestern had two chances to tie in the final moments. After a timeout, Jayden Reid’s driving layup was blocked by Ajayi with seven seconds left. The Wildcats retained possession, but Reid’s desperation 3-point attempt from the top of the key as time expired missed, sealing the win for the home team. The game’s defining characteristic was offensive inefficiency. Northwestern shot just 35.9% from the field and a dismal 17.4% from 3-point range. Butler was not much better, connecting on 37.9% of its field goals and 23.3% from beyond the arc. The Wildcats managed only three assists against eight turnovers, while Butler had seven assists but coughed the ball up 13 times. Butler’s ability to generate extra possessions proved critical. The Bulldogs outrebounded Northwestern 44-34 overall and secured 11 offensive rebounds to Northwestern’s five, leading to a 14-4 advantage in second-chance points. Northwestern’s defense, however, kept them in the game by forcing those 13 turnovers, which they converted into 13 points. Ajayi’s all-around performance was pivotal. In addition to his 19 points, he added two assists, two blocks and was a force defensively with multiple key rebounds and steals in 36 minutes. Jamie Kaiser provided essential support for Butler with 14 points. For Northwestern, Jayden Reid led the way with 14 points and six assists, while Arrinten Page anchored the interior with four assists and two blocks. The first half set the tone for the defensive battle, ending with Butler ahead 29-26. Both teams combined to shoot 4 for 30 from 3-point range in the opening period. Northwestern briefly held a four-point lead early in the second half after a Reid 3-pointer made it 38-34, but Butler responded with an 8-0 run, capped by an Ajayi layup, to reclaim a lead they would not relinquish, despite Northwestern staying within one possession for the final nine minutes. The victory improved Butler’s record to 9-3, while Northwestern fell to 7-5. The game’s total of 119 points fell far below the pregame over/under line of 158.5, underscoring the defensive nature of the contest. Butler is scheduled to host NJIT on Monday. Northwestern’s next game is at home against Howard on Dec. 30.

Preview: Northwestern Wildcats at Butler Bulldogs INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before conference play resumes will meet in an intriguing nonconference clash Saturday when the Northwestern Wildcats face the Butler Bulldogs at Victory Field. Northwestern (7-4) arrives after an 86-70 home win over Valparaiso on Tuesday, while Butler (8-3) looks to rebound from a 79-60 road loss to Connecticut on the same night. The Wildcats will lean on the hot hand of forward Nick Martinelli, who has been on a scoring tear. He poured in 29 points against Valparaiso and is averaging 24.1 points over his last seven games, including a 32-point, 8-rebound effort in a narrow loss to Ohio State on Dec. 6. His efficiency and volume will be central to Northwestern’s attack. Butler counters with its own key contributor in forward Drayton Jones, a versatile defender and facilitator. Jones is coming off a 13-point performance against UConn and previously dished out eight assists in a double-overtime win over Providence. His ability to impact the game with defense, rebounding and passing will be crucial for the Bulldogs. This matchup features contrasting strengths. Northwestern has shown a potent offense behind Martinelli, with support from Arrinten Page (18 points vs. Valparaiso) and guard Jayden Reid. Butler, under coach Thad Matta, has displayed resilience, notably with road wins at Virginia and South Carolina last month. The Bulldogs’ defense, which blocked 11 shots in a win over Eastern Michigan, will be tested by Martinelli’s versatility. The game at the unique football venue of Victory Field offers a neutral-site feel in Butler’s home city. It serves as a final major nonconference test for both squads before the holiday break. Northwestern seeks a quality road win to bolster its resume, while Butler aims to protect its home-city court and solidify its strong start. Saturday’s winner will gain valuable confidence heading into the heart of their respective conference schedules in the new year.