INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — A surging Butler squad looks to continue its climb in the Big East standings when it hosts a struggling Marquette team coming off an emotional high at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Friday night. The Bulldogs (12-7, 3-3 Big East) have won two straight conference games, including an 87-80 victory over DePaul on Tuesday. They are led by guard Finley Bizjack, who is averaging 21.3 points over his last three contests, including a 24-point performance against the Blue Demons. Conversely, the Golden Eagles (7-13, 2-5) have lost seven of their last nine, though they are riding the momentum of a dramatic 105-104 overtime win over Providence on Monday. That victory snapped a three-game skid and was fueled by a career-high 38 points from sophomore guard Nigel James. James has been a bright spot for Marquette, averaging 22.1 points and 5.6 assists over his last seven games. His backcourt battle with Bizjack will be a key matchup. Butler has found success at historic Hinkle, going 9-2 at home this season. Marquette is just 1-6 in true road games. The Bulldogs won both meetings last season. For Marquette, containing Butler’s balanced attack beyond Bizjack, which includes Michael Ajayi and Azavier Robinson, will be critical. The Golden Eagles will need another stellar outing from James and support from forwards like Royce Parham to pull off the road upset. Friday’s contest is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series between the teams, who will meet again in Milwaukee on Feb. 7.