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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 8:42:16 GMT -5
Post by Jazzfan on Dec 8, 2007 8:42:16 GMT -5
December 8, 2007 Butler desperately seeks its shooting touchBy David Woods Somewhere between Anchorage, Alaska, and Indianapolis, the Butler Bulldogs' shooting touch vanished. They will continue searching for it in Dayton, Ohio. Heading into tonight's game at Wright State, the No. 13 Bulldogs are coming off two victories in which they shot a cumulative 24 percent from the 3-point line (12-of-49). In winning three games at the Great Alaska Shootout, they shot 53 percent (47-of-89) from the arc. This is only the second game of the Horizon League season for Butler and Wright State, but the outcome will influence the standings into March. A victory would give Butler (8-0, 1-0) a two-game lead over Wright State (2-2, 0-1). They tied for the regular-season title a year ago. Wright State won a tiebreaker to host the league tournament, and won that, too. Valparaiso won at Wright State 71-66 Thursday night, ending its 14-game home win streak. "In some ways, there would be more pressure on us if you're talking about the league championship already," Raiders coach Brad Brownell said. "We obviously let one get away from us on Thursday. "At this time of the season, a team like ours that's still trying to find ourselves a bit, it's a little early to start talking about the Horizon League championship." The Bulldogs have lost their past six games at Wright State. They lost twice there last season, 77-65 and 60-55. "To lose to them twice, I'm pretty sure some of the guys have a chip on their shoulder," Butler guard Mike Green said. "You've got to. It's basketball. There's no way you're just going in there with a closed mind." If the Bulldogs don't resume making 3-pointers, they will face more zone defenses. Ohio State and Detroit employed such strategy effectively. The Bulldogs are vulnerable in the absence of the injured Pete Campbell, who set a Horizon record by shooting 58 percent on 3s in league play last season. It's not as if Wright State's Nutter Center has rims friendly to the Bulldogs. They were 5-of-26 and 7-of-23 from the arc in last season's losses. In three games there -- including a semifinal victory over Loyola in the league tournament -- A.J. Graves was 3-of-22 on 3s. Graves was 4-of-20 on 3s against Ohio State and Detroit. Brownell said all teams go cold sometimes, and he said he can't expect the Bulldogs' errant shooting to continue. "If they shoot it really well," he said, "you have no chance." Butler has compensated by going inside to freshman Matt Howard. He shot 65 percent (17-of-26) and totaled 43 points against Ohio State and Detroit. In a complex rating by statistician Ken Pomeroy, Howard began the week No. 1 in the nation in offensive efficiency. Kansas State freshman Michael Beasley, who was leading the nation in scoring and rebounding, was No. 6 and Indiana freshman Eric Gordon No. 8. www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071208/SPORTS06/712080443
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 9:02:06 GMT -5
Post by Nutt House on Dec 8, 2007 9:02:06 GMT -5
Wright State vs. Butler Butler endured two painful losses at the Nutter Center last season, but that was when Wright State had DaShaun Wood. The No. 13 Bulldogs look to end their six-game road losing streak to the Raiders on Saturday night when last season's Horizon League co-champions meet for the first time in 2007-08. While Butler (8-0, 1-0) moved into the national rankings last season on the strength of nonconference wins over Notre Dame, Indiana and Gonzaga, the Bulldogs weren't able to finish alone atop the league. That's because Wood - the Horizon League player of the year - averaged 19.6 points for the season to lead the Raiders to a 13-3 league mark and a share of the crown. Wright State (2-2, 0-1) also went on to win the conference tournament on its home floor, beating Butler 60-55 in the championship. Wood scored 27 points and outplayed Butler star A.J. Graves, who had 12, as the Raiders clinched their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1993. Wood also scored 30 points while Graves had 10 on 3-of-16 shooting in a 77-65 home win on Feb. 10 that snapped Butler's nine-game winning streak. The Bulldogs haven't beaten the Raiders on the road since an 81-70 win on Jan. 16, 2003, a streak which includes two losses in the conference tournament. There's a good chance that Butler can snap that streak Saturday since Wood has graduated and the Bulldogs return five senior starters, but they may need Graves to turn around his woes at the Nutter Center in order to prevail. This will be the senior guard's last chance to win at Wright State, barring another meeting in the conference tournament. Graves is averaging just 13.6 points on 36.6 percent shooting in five career road games against the Raiders, and also missed all nine shots in a 67-66 overtime win over Loyola of Chicago at the Nutter Center in the semifinals of the Horizon League tournament last season. Butler will likely again be without one of its senior starters after Pete Campbell sat out Thursday's 53-46 win at Detroit in the conference opener with a knee injury suffered in last Saturday's win over Ohio State. Freshman Matt Howard got his first start and took advantage for team highs of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Howard did most of his scoring inside as opposed to Campbell, who is shooting 50.0 percent (28-of-56) on 3-pointers. "He made some amazing plays," Butler coach Brad Stevens said of Howard, who also had 23 points against Ohio State. "The seniors didn't have the greatest of games but he had some room out there to operate." Graves had a season-low eight points on 2-of-8 shooting Thursday, missing all five 3-point attempts. He entered the game shooting 46.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs, who won their first 10 games last season, also missed Campbell's shooting touch. They made 3 of 19 3s after hitting at least eight in each of their first seven games. Wright State lost its second straight Thursday, 71-66 to Horizon League newcomer Valparaiso. Vaughn Duggins scored 18 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 65 seconds left, but the Raiders failed to score again. www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/gamecenter/preview/NCAAB_20071208_BUT@WRIGST
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 9:06:52 GMT -5
Post by Nutt House on Dec 8, 2007 9:06:52 GMT -5
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 9:09:25 GMT -5
Post by rock70 on Dec 8, 2007 9:09:25 GMT -5
Wright State vs. Butler, HL Game #21.) Staying in the game in the paint. This is one area where Wright State actually has more experience, starting 2 seniors. If WSU's guards can get the ball into the post consistently I think the Raiders could outscore Butler in the paint, assuming the 2 Raider starters can stay out of early foul trouble, which was a problem in WSU last loss against Valpo. With Pete Campbell out injured, Butler starts a very talented freshman, Matt Howard in the post, along with a great defender in Streicher. Howard was last week's HL player of the week, and is a good scorer and rebounder, but can get into foul trouble on occasion himself having fouled out of 3 games so far this season. Both teams have some depth in the paint, but none are as good as the guys they are replacing. ! Nice preview bballraider. If we want to even have a chance to win tonight it is critical that both Jordan and Scottie stay out of foul trouble and on the floor. Winning tonight will be a tall order for our young lads. Brown and Duggins will have their hands full on the defensive end just trying to slow Butler down and then we are asking our super sophmores to carry the scoring load as well. This is a lot to ask of them but we will see how it turns out tonight.
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 10:48:37 GMT -5
Post by Raiderfan on Dec 8, 2007 10:48:37 GMT -5
I don't know if we'll win tonight or not but I do expect us to be competitive and have a chance to win at the end. My reasoning is that BU will be without the services of Campbell and Graves has been cold over the last several games. Now if Graves is on then we're probably in trouble.
My other concern is the freshman Matt Howard. Our interior defense has been suspect early on and particularly if Jordan is out and the way MH has been playing for the Dogs it is a formula for disaster for our raiders. I mean Howard just dominated the buckeyes! I would guess most teams will go right at JAP and try and get him in foul trouble.
On a side note: BBALLRAIDER, have you noticed a pattern when you post your pregame analysis? You typically post your breakdown eeeeearly in the morning and then by the time most of us normal sleeping folks :)get up your post/analysis has been buried by the DDN articles that are linked to this site. It is rare that your post is on the same page it is usually is on the previous page. The reason I mention this is that your pregame break down is the most comprehensive that can be found and I honestly feel like it is overlooked by many raider fans. If I can HUMBLY make a suggestion would it be possible for you to post your analysis after say 9AM so that it "follows" the DDN articles? This way it will get more exposure and allow for so more debate and discussion about the up coming game. Sorry for the rambling but I just have that much respect for your basketball knowledge.
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 11:29:30 GMT -5
Post by Willie on Dec 8, 2007 11:29:30 GMT -5
No current Bulldog has won a game at the Nutt House in their career. Let's keep it that way!
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 11:59:28 GMT -5
Post by Fastbreak on Dec 8, 2007 11:59:28 GMT -5
Three keys to the game:
HEART, HUSTLE, and DISCIPLINE
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 14:24:24 GMT -5
Post by bballraider on Dec 8, 2007 14:24:24 GMT -5
Fastbreak has it right, these are the three areas the Raider's need to excel at to win this game. Hopefully a full arena will help motivate them onto a win. Sorry Raiderfan, most that know me are laughing at the 9am remark, I am not normal folk, I am pretty sure my parents are part vampire, 'cause I do not do mornings, I love the nightlife. It's either early early in the morning or later in the afternoon. But thanks for the kind words. See I had to edit this post because of the typos, I cannot type this early in the day (2pm )
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 15:34:25 GMT -5
Post by Raiderfan on Dec 8, 2007 15:34:25 GMT -5
Bball, your response brought a big ol smile to my face. I'll make you a deal........you keep on posting your pregame breakdown whenever you want and I'll just mind my own business . On a serious note I do appreciate you taking the time and effort to give a solid break down on the up coming games no matter when you do it. By the way, if your parents are still living at the age of 150 that might be a clue that they are vampires.
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 21:45:56 GMT -5
Post by Fastbreak on Dec 8, 2007 21:45:56 GMT -5
Butler 42 Wright St. 43
Way to go Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 21:51:18 GMT -5
Post by Willie on Dec 8, 2007 21:51:18 GMT -5
I'm going to sleep extra well tonight knowing that the might Butler senior class gets to end their careers without tasting victory in our house.
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 21:56:02 GMT -5
Post by Class of '83 on Dec 8, 2007 21:56:02 GMT -5
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 22:01:30 GMT -5
Post by Tipp City Raider on Dec 8, 2007 22:01:30 GMT -5
Wright State Upsets No. 13 Butler 43-42 Dec. 8, 2007 FAIRBORN, Ohio (AP) - Scottie Wilson and Todd Brown both scored 10 points to lead Wright State to a 43-42 upset over No. 13 Butler on Saturday night, the Bulldogs' first loss of the season. Butler (8-1, 1-1 Horizon League) had a last chance at the win, but A.J. Graves missed a 3-point attempt from the top of the key with three seconds left. Wright State (3-2, 1-1) used tenacious defense and balanced scoring to beat the Bulldogs. Julian Betko had 14 points to lead Butler, which shot 32 percent from the field. Graves, who was averaging 16.6 points a game, was held to six. Down 32-30 with 14:28 to play, Butler went on a 10-1 run behind Betko and Matt Howard, taking a 40-33 lead with 9:23 to go. Wilson stopped the run with a 3-pointer and then hit another, bringing Wright State within one with 6:22 left. The teams traded baskets, and Wright State took the 43-42 lead at 1:45 left on a driving, left-handed layup by Will Graham. Wilson stole the ball on the next possession, but Butler got it back when Betko stole the ball from Vaughn Duggins with 20 seconds remaining. Butler looked for an open shot, but couldn't find it, forcing Graves to launch the 3-point attempt. Time ran out as both teams scrambled for the rebound. wsuraiders.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120807aaa.html
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 22:19:35 GMT -5
Post by Doliboabros on Dec 8, 2007 22:19:35 GMT -5
Victory Dance Time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Butler
Dec 8, 2007 22:24:02 GMT -5
Post by rock70 on Dec 8, 2007 22:24:02 GMT -5
After the Valparaiso game I did NOT see this coming. I am thrilled/stunned/over joyed as I am typing this post. How nuts is it that both teams only scored 15 second half points? This was a very physical game and the refs let both teams play. Did Scottie come up big time or what? ?? We are down 40 to 33 with under ten minutes to play and the dude knocks down back to back threes to bring us to within one point. How about Graves and Green combining to go 4 for 23 from the field. Our defense was outstanding. I am so happy right now
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