INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — A surging Saint John’s squad looks to continue its strong start to Big East play when it visits Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday to face a Butler team seeking to rebound from a conference-opening loss.

The Red Storm (9-5) have won five of their last seven, including a decisive 95-83 road victory at Georgetown to open league action on Dec. 31. They are led by the dominant play of forward Zuby Ejiofor, who is coming off a career performance. In Saturday’s 77-71 home loss to Providence, Ejiofor scored 33 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Over his last three games, he is averaging 24 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Butler (10-5) aims to bounce back after a disappointing 85-67 home defeat to Villanova on Saturday. The Bulldogs had won two straight prior, including a hard-fought 61-58 win over Northwestern. Forward Michael Ajayi is a key all-around contributor for Butler, averaging 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Villanova.

The matchup features a contrast in recent momentum. Saint John’s has shown potent offense, scoring 85 or more points in four of its last five wins. Butler, meanwhile, has relied on a tougher defensive identity at home, holding non-conference opponents like Northwestern and NJIT under 60 points.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs this season. They will meet again at Saint John’s on Jan. 28. The Red Storm will look to secure a valuable road win before hosting Marquette next week. Butler continues a tough early conference slate, with road games at Xavier and Seton Hall looming after this contest.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST Tuesday at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.