I knew coming in that Butler should not overlook UIndy at all, since they beat Valparaiso at the ARC in an exhibition game in November 2009. This game was close for a while, but Butler's defense won them the game at the end. Nevertheless, here is my box score analysis.
Highs and Lows: While Khyle Marshall has looked great on the offensive end, getting to the free throw line and shooting well from the field, Andrew Smith has struggled to get involved on offense. He scored just 5 points, and was only 1/4 at the free throw line. If Butler is going to be successful in the Atlantic 10, both Smith and Marshall will have to be consistent scorers in the post.
Three Point woes: Kellen Dunham and Rotnei Clarke were a combined 4 of 14 beyond the arc, and the team was a total 4/16. If Butler continues to shoot threes like this and the way they shot them last year, they will likely be under .500 in the A-10.
Defense: As poor as Butler's offense was, their defense remains tough, holding and Indianapolis team with multiple Division 1 transfers to 47 points. The Bulldogs have shown that they are very capable of winning games in the 50s and 60s, and it looks as though they will have to continue to do so.
Shorter Rotation: The Bulldogs essentially played a nine man rotation, which included Alex Barlow but did not include Erik Fromm, who played double figure minutes last season. Barlow's defense should earn him about 10 minutes a contest, and look for Fromm and Andrew Smeathers to get minutes as well this season.
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