Off to its best start since the 2018-19 season, the women’s basketball team looks for its second road win of the season when it travels to face UT Martin. This is a homecoming for assistant coach Chelsey Perry who holds multiple program records for the Skyhawks.
Here is what you need to know before the Bulldogs clash with the Skyhawks:
Who: Butler vs. UT Martin
When: Nov. 15, 1 p.m.
Where: Kathleen and Tom Elam Center
How to watch: ESPN+
Swiping away
Through four games this season, Butler has forced an average of 16 steals per game, making up over two-thirds of the average turnovers. Three starters carry the stealing load for the Dawgs — junior guard Tamar Singer, senior guard Nevaeh Jackson and redshirt junior guard Saniya Jackson capturing 38 of the team’s 65 total steals. Singer is picking off the opponent 4.5 times per game, placing her ninth nationally.
The contributions defensively have helped the Dawgs stay unbeaten despite a lackluster offensive showing over the last two games.
After scoring over 100 points in its first two contests, the Bulldogs have scored just 74 and 68 respectively. A big reason for the offensive struggles can be attributed to slower starts in the first quarter, especially in the North Dakota State game. Butler only scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting — including an 0-for-7 mark from beyond the arc.
However, senior guard Judit Valero had her best offensive output of the season, scoring 18 points, with nine coming from beyond the arc. The FIU transfer provides another option for the Bulldogs to lean on as Big East play draws near.
The Dawgs have also done an excellent job sharing the ball. With 87 assists through four games, the team ranks 14th nationally while Singer’s 9.3 assists per game is second in the country. As long as the Bulldogs continue to be selfless with the basketball, they will continue to be a tough out as the season progresses.
Scouting the Skyhawks
In his 18th year at the helm, head coach Kevin McMillan has had a lot of success, notching over 300 career wins while guiding the Skyhawks to five NCAA tournament appearances. However, UT Martin has stumbled with back-to-back 13 win seasons.
The Skyhawks are off to a 2-2 start this season, losing its last two to Mississippi State and Missouri. In both contests, UT Martin allowed its opponent to reach the century mark which Butler has done twice already this season.
Leading scorers for UT Martin include senior guard Raven Sims with 52 points and first-year guard Olivia Smith who has 45 points. Additionally, both are the top rebounding threats with Sims averaging 6.7 and Smith averaging 3.5 per game.
In both of its losses, the Skyhawks were down double digits at halftime. If the Bulldogs can get off to a good start on the road, Butler should be off to a 5-0 start.