Christian David shoots a free throw in Butler’s 61-54 win over Florida to round out the Battle 4 Atlantis. Photo by Jimmy Lafakis.
DREW SANDIFER | STAFF REPORTER | dsandife@butler.edu
With a 1-1 record in the Battle 4 Atlantis heading into tonight’s game against Florida, this game was pivotal to the success of the trip for the Butler basketball team.
In their second straight 9:30 pm tip, dogs and humans alike may’ve found it difficult to stay up to watch the game.
Are the Dawgs on yet? #LateGame #GoDawgs #BattleForAtlantis pic.twitter.com/DSENEiIvYT
— Butler Blue III (@ButlerBlue3) November 24, 2018
But for those that did, it was some good and some not-so-good. That was to be expected as Butler played its third game in as many days.
I’m in such a love-hate relationship with Butler basketball
— Ari Kasle (@AKasle_BU) November 24, 2018
But, Florida was also fatigued, which, paired with Butler’s stellar defense, stifled the Gators.
THIS IS BUTLER BASKETBALL
— Jake Jurgen (@Jakejurg11) November 24, 2018
In a side story to the game, Kamar Baldwin scored his 1,000th point in a Butler uniform, the 40th Bulldog to reach the milestone.
E V E R Y T H I N G 1 K 🐶🇧🇸
Kamar Baldwin scored his 1,000th career point on this shot. @kamar3baldwin pic.twitter.com/rRyyiJ97E3
— Jimmy Lafakis (@JJLII30) November 24, 2018
At the end of day, you can chalk it up as a solid win for Butler over a team that will be looking to be dancing at the end of the year.
Dawgs win 61-54.#GrittyNotPretty
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) November 24, 2018
Nobody’s putting that win in a museum but it beats the hell out of the alternative, showed some toughness if not much else
— Victory Firelight (@ButlerVictory) November 24, 2018
FINAL: #Butler 61, Florida 54. Defense was sensational in the second half, holding the Gators to 22 points on 34.6% shooting. Kamar Baldwin (19/6/5) and Paul Jorgensen (16/7r) led the way for the team. #GoDawgs
Final Stats: pic.twitter.com/yJts0OZ1dT
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) November 24, 2018
While their finish in the tournament, doesn’t sound great, Dayton turned out to be much better than expected and solid wins over Middle Tennessee and Florida are a good consolation prize.
https://twitter.com/BarstoolButler/status/1066189164989882368
The Dawgs and the Gators have had their fare share of meetings, but this was Butler’s first win since the 2011 Elite Eight.
Friday mood pic.twitter.com/tY4hey7Tjo
— Shooter Flatch (@HinkleHangover) November 23, 2018
While it may be a little early to be looking at their tournament resume, Butler’s overall stock went up from the trip.
#Butler climbs in kenpom computer rankings to No. 29. Ole Miss beat Baylor 78-70. Considering Dayton, Florida and Ole Miss, that strength of schedule not looking bad.
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) November 24, 2018
After three straight games, though, it will be important for the guys to get some rest.
Not much to say other than im sure our guys have to be exhausted
— Thomas Petersen (@BU_Petey) November 24, 2018
Butler’s next contest will come on Dec. 1 in their first true road game of the season at Saint Louis.