Game Recap: Butler vs. Marian (Exhibition)

Since I do not live in the Indianapolis-TV Market area, if Butler's game is not on a nationally televised network (or CBSSports Network), my only analysis can come from a box score, which never does tell the whole story.  Nonetheless, he is my first Butler Bulldogs game recap.

Positives
1. Andrew Smeathers: I had quickly pegged Smeathers at the bottom of the depth chart based on offseason hip surgery and his ineffective play last year.  However, Smeathers looked good on the court today 3-4 on threes, and hustle plays on defense according to IndyStar writer David Woods.  He still has the opportunity to earn some minutes in the rotation this season.
2. Kellen Dunham: Dunham could also fix Butler's three point shooting woes from a year ago, going 4-6 this afternoon on threes.  It was good to see that he didn't have any first game jitters, and was able to go out and execute.
3. Defense: I don't care who you play against, but 40 points is getting it done on the defensive end.  The Bulldogs held Marian to 34% shooting.

Negatives
1. Andrew Smith:  He only played 14 minutes, and did not have a field goal.  I was hoping he would be more consistent this season, but this is not a good sign.  It is just an exhibition game, so don't get too worried.
2. Roosevelt Jones:  Only 3 points, but 1 of 5 from the free throw line.  He needed to improve on his free throw shooting this offseason and it doesn't look like it has happened so far.
3.  Only 11 2-point baskets made: This speaks Butler's inability for post players to convert.  Outside of Khyle Marshall, none of the bigs looked impressive on the offensive end.

Overall
While Chrishawn Hopkins' absence was clearly noticable on the offensive end, with Butler only scoring 62 points, the tremendous defense played by the Bulldogs gives me optimism that this could be a team that wins close games down the stretch.  If Butler's bigs can be more effective on offense, Butler could still be a great team in the Atlantic 10.