Tyler Wideman dribbles the ball against Princeton in a game earlier this season. Wideman and the rest of the Bulldogs return to Hinkle Fieldhouse after playing in the PK80 tournament in Portland, Oregon, over Thanksgiving. Collegian file photo.
JOSH MULLENIX | STAFF REPORTER | jmulleni@butler.edu
Who: Butler vs. Saint Louis
When: Dec. 2, 2 p.m.
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
How to Watch/Listen: FS1 and 1430 AM
The Butler men’s basketball team came home from the PK80 2-1 with wins over Portland State and Ohio State. After trailing by 15 with just four minutes to go against the Buckeyes, Butler pulled off an impressive comeback to end their tournament on a high note. The Bulldogs return from their feast week trip out west and welcome the Billikens of Saint Louis University to Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here are a few keys to the game as the Dawgs look to carry that late game momentum into Saturday.
Rebounding the Basketball
Getting outworked on the glass is a common theme for both teams entering this matchup. Butler has been outrebounded 81 to 58 in their two losses this season. The Billikens started their season strong, rattling off three straight wins but are in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Over that three-game stretch, the Billikens lost the rebounding battle twice and were outrebounded by 15 boards over those three games. When these two teams are successful, they are controlling the glass and limiting second-chance points.
Containing Javon Bess
The Billiken offense is fairly one-dimensional, as the team is only shooting 27 percent from beyond the arc for the season. However, Michigan State transfer Javon Bess has proven to be a handful for opposing defenses, putting up 14 points per game and making 47 percent of his attempts from the floor. Saint Louis struggles from deep and containing Bess will make it all the more difficult for the Billikens to put points on the board.
Converting from the Charity Stripe
The free throw line has not been nice to the Dawgs early in the season. Butler is shooting only 70.8 percent as a team and went 11-20 from the line against Ohio State. Make those nine free shots or even six of those and it’s a comfortable win over the Buckeyes. The script is similar against Portland State as well. For a team that does not shoot the three well, getting to the free throw line is key and knocking down those shots makes it that much easier and could be the difference in a close ball game.
Please Drink Responsibly
No, the Bulldogs will not need to drink responsibly in order to win Saturday’s game, but Dec. 2 marks the first men’s basketball game inside Hinkle when alcohol will be served. Hinkle was approved for alcohol sales on Oct. 27. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy a cold one while watching some Butler basketball, but please drink responsibly.
