INDIANAPOLIS — After a strong two-game performance at the Greenbrier Tip-Off, Butler got off to a slow start against Wright State.
Playing without starting point guard Jalen JacksonTHE Bulldogs found their rhythm after halftime, pulling away for a 94-69 victory.
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Michael Ajayi directed Butler with 20 points and eight rebounds, ending his double-double streak to start the season at six. Finley Bizjack added 20 points.
Here’s what I liked and didn’t like, and what Butler’s (6-1) victory means.
What I liked about Butler Basketball’s win over Wright State
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Azavier “Stinks” Robinson got the first start of his career with Jackson and more than held his own. The former Lawrence North star snagged three interceptions in the first half. Robinson played pesky on-ball defense, using his quick feet to stay in front of the ball handler and a well-timed punch to force a steal.
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Jamie Kaiser Jr. was more aggressive when looking to score in the first half. Kaiser scored eight of his 11 points in the first. Kaiser ran the court with purpose, attacked the rim in the half court and used his length to shoot over smaller defenders. While Bizjack struggled with his shot, Kaiser had to take on a bigger scoring role early on.
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After a slow start to the match, Ajayi and Bizjack took over in the second half. The duo totaled 31 points after halftime.
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Evan Haywood showed an ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket against the Raiders. Last season, the Carmel native was primarily a jump shooter. As a sophomore, Haywood shows more depth in his game and is one of the most improved players on the team.
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Yohan Traore comes off the bench, but he’s currently the Bulldogs’ best center. The senior is always in control, shows soft hands when collecting entry passes and can finish with either hand at the rim. Traoré finished with 16 points on 6 out of 6 shots.
What I Didn’t Like About Butler Basketball’s Win Over Wright State
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Butler’s free throw shooting continues to be a problem. Every game will be closer than necessary with the Dawgs struggling from the line. Butler shot 6-for-12 (50%) from the line in the first half and finished 15-for-26.
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Without Jackson, protecting the ball was going to be a problem for Butler. Robinson protected the ball well with a turnover in the first half. Ajayi and Bizjack combined for five turnovers in the first half.
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Bizjack shot just 1 of 7 in the first half. If Butler’s leading scorer can’t make a shot, the Dawgs will have a hard time competing with any level of competition.
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Butler needed improved guard play from his bench with Jackson out, but Yamé butler struggled as the first player off the bench. Butler committed three fouls in 3 minutes, 43 seconds in the first half. The graduate transfer went scoreless and featured one assist and one turnover. Butler’s struggles forced Robinson to play an even bigger role against the Raiders.
Insider: Did Butler find the identity of an NCAA Tournament team in its win over Virginia?
What Butler Basketball’s win over Wright State means
The final score doesn’t tell the story of how stressful this match was. The Bulldogs played down their competition in the first half before showing why they were the better team in the second.
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This win shows that Butler still has a long way to go before it can compete with the upper echelon of the Big East. Getting the win is nothing to scoff at, but the Dawgs nearly destroyed all the goodwill gained with the Greenbrier championship.
This article was originally published on the Indianapolis Star: Butler Basketball Score Today vs. Wright State, Game Stats, Likes, Dislikes
