Ari Wiggins scored eight points on 75% shooting off the bench against Vanderbilt. Photo by Jada Gangazha. 

DAVID JACOBS | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR | drjacobs@butler.edu 

The Bulldogs managed to score just eight points through the first 10 minutes of a devastating 81-52 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 17 — picking up their first loss of the season.

Despite the slow start, the Dawgs stayed within reach as a three-pointer from graduate guard Caroline Strande cut a 12-point deficit in half early in the second quarter. However, turnovers and inefficient play piled on throughout the loss. 

With 30 turnovers on the day, Vanderbilt managed to score over half of their points off Butler’s mishaps. Additionally, the Dawgs struggled in the paint — getting outrebounded 33-25 and outscored 30-20 in the area. The dominant paint play by Vanderbilt also led to its advantage from the charity stripe as they shot eight more attempts than the Bulldogs. 

Although it was a dreary offensive night for Butler, Strande shined with her best performance of the season racking up 22 points and two steals as she went six-for-seven from behind the arc. 

Outside of Strande, junior guard Ari Wiggins had an efficient eight points and a team-high four assists off the bench in the loss. 

With every game comes lessons learned. Against the Commodores, the Dawgs learned that the precious road wins will not be there if defensive intensity does not travel with them. 

All season long the offensive efficiency has been up and down. However, in their win against Indiana, the Bulldogs showed they can win even if they are not offensively on point. In that victory, Butler shot a season-worst 35% from the field, but with five blocks and 36 rebounds, they showed that hustle and defense can make up for a lack of shooting.

In their lone road trip before the loss to the Commodores, the Dawgs were able to travel well up to Milwaukee as they shot a season-best 50% from the field to pair with efficient defensive play. 

Against Vanderbilt, the Dawgs shot 38% clip from the field, but a season-low in rebounds and blocks proved to play into their losing effort. 

Coming off the loss, Butler will host Indiana State as head coach Austin Parkinson hopes to get his team back on track before the team travels away for the Gulf Coast Showcase starting Nov. 29.