Jerald Gillens-Butler dribbles down the court. Butler kicked off the 2018-19 with a 22-point win over Miami (OH). Photo by Jimmy Lafakis.
DREW SANDIFER | STAFF REPORTER | dsandife@butler.edu
Saturday’s game between Butler and the Miami RedHawks was the regular season opener for both teams and a part of Family Weekend on Butler’s campus. Hinkle Fieldhouse was ready for the action.
If you’re happy and you know it….you’re probably @HinkleFH ??? #BasketballCathedral?⛪️ #GoDawgs ?? pic.twitter.com/VMw1dz4sKk
— Historic Hinkle (@ButlerWarSong) November 10, 2018
The story of the night was Joey Brunk scoring a career-high 17 points off a perfect 7/7 shooting. He had Twitter raving.
Last season Joey Brunk scored a TOTAL of 25 points. He’s got 12 tonight in the first half. Must be the hair
— Fake Brad Stevens (@FakeBradStevens) November 11, 2018
"Joey Brunk" is the top trending Twitter topic in Indianapolis. So there's that.#Butler
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) November 11, 2018
Joey Brunk feelin himself pic.twitter.com/YafjFoI1pd
— Barstool Butler (@BarstoolButler) November 11, 2018
And even some BOLD predictions, too.
1. Butler is pretty deep and it’s gonna be interesting to see how this shakes out during non-con
2. Joe brunk might be an all american
— Victory Firelight (@ButlerVictory) November 11, 2018
Butler fans were not just excited to see Brunk play well, though. Aaron Thompson saw his offseason work on his jumpshot pay dividends.
Aaron Thompson just hit a three. This is not a drill. #Butler
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) November 11, 2018
Even Bulldogs who didn’t suit up for the game were receiving praise.
Jordan Tucker is drippin’. Again, I think I’m using that correctly.
— Shooter Flatch (@HinkleHangover) November 11, 2018
However, a good night was not had by all. In a surprising turn of events, sophomore breakout candidate Christian David saw just three minutes of action in the 22-point win.
I wonder where Christian David is going to transfer to?
Dude is buried on the bench and it’s not going to get easier for him one Jordan Tucker becomes eligible in December
— Ari Kasle (@AKasle_BU) November 11, 2018
While not trying to overreact to the first game of the season, this was a quality win for the Bulldogs against a solid mid-major opponent.
thank u, next pic.twitter.com/GkAfmU77TL
— Jimmy Lafakis (@JJLII30) November 11, 2018
Final numbers from Hinkle Fieldhouse… The Bulldogs are now 1-0 on the season. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/06HYi5pLQU
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) November 11, 2018
The Bulldogs have a short turnaround as they welcome former Horizon League foe Detroit Mercy on Monday.
