The much anticipated matchup between Gonzaga and Butler has lost some luster. Butler star guard Rotnei Clarke has been ruled out according to an official university release. Per that report:

Butler scoring leader Rotnei Clarke, who suffered a neck injury in Butler's 79-73 victory at Dayton on Saturday (Jan. 12), will not play in the Bulldogs' two home games this week. He has not been cleared for full physical contact in practice and continues to be evaluated by Butler's medical team.

"Rotnei saw a spine specialist today and based on that visit and his previous examinations, we felt it was in his best interest to hold him out this week," said Butler Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Galloy. "He is making progress and we will continue to evaluate him."

The fact that Clarke was even being discussed to play was amazing in and of itself. The foul and subsequent fall he took were extremely frightening. With that said, losing Clarke is a huge blow for Butler. The senior transfer was averaging 16 points per game and is widely thought of as one of the top perimeter threats in the nation.

Butler will get a chance to tune up without Clarke against Richmond on Wednesday.