Postgame Analysis: Butler vs. North Carolina

Butler was able to survive a furious second half comeback to beat North Carolina 82-71.  This was the first game I was able to watch live on TV this season, and I was busy with my notepad, so I have quite a bit to say about this game.  Here is my postgame analysis with major themes from the game.

Kellen and Rotnei from Downtown; Stigall too

These trio combined to shoot 11 for 18 from downtown, but good shooting should be expected, at least from those first two guys.  Nonetheless, three point shooting is definitely a major reason why Butler was able to jump out to a 29 point lead in the first half.

Andrew Smith is the new version of 2009-10 Matt Howard

Smith did have 13 points tonight, but fouled out for the third time in four games this season.  The Bulldogs need him on the floor, as Erik Fromm's post defense was sub par.  Like Howard, Smith also showed good ability to pass the ball on several occasions during the game.

Fromm, Woods both struggle shooting

Ever since the midway point of last season, I have dreaded every single jump shot Kam Woods has taken, since I know that they are just not going to go in.  Fromm on the other hand, is a capable shooter who should be able get out of his slump, especially if that starts by attacking the glass and getting layups, which he was able to do tonight.

Stigall, Clarke on Defense

Chase Stigall started on the 2011 NCAA runner-up team because of his defensive ability, but he had multiple defensive breakdowns in this game, allowing Dexter Strickland and P.J. Hairston to drive by him to the basket.  Rotnei Clarke had similar difficulties guarding point guard Marcus Paige, especially towards the end of the game.

Butler struggles to Break the Press

This looked very similar to the 2011 NCAA Tournament game against Wisconsin.  Butler blew a big lead because of their inability to break the press from North Carolina.  Their key mistake was continually passing into the corner, which adds two extra defenders in the sideline.  The Bulldogs need to get the ball in the middle to a big man since they do not have elite ball-handling guards.

Barlow back to Walk-On; Aldridge far from Major Minutes

Alex Barlow has played a total of one minute in the two games in Maui.  With Clarke playing about 35 minutes per game, don't expect Jackson Aldridge to ever get double figure minutes.

Butler will play the winner of the Illinois/Chaminade game that is taking place as I am writing this blog, playing for the Maui Invitational Championship.  I will be watching the entire game live on TV, and I can't wait to see if the Bulldogs can make it three in a row.