Aaron Thompson brings the ball up the court. Photo by Jimmy Lafakis.
DREW SANDIFER | STAFF REPORTER | dsandife@butler.edu
Looking to get the taste of the trouncing by Florida out of their mouths, the Butler men’s basketball looked to rebound with a win in their Big East opener versus Georgetown. Some fans were looking for a different look in the starting lineups, but coach LaVall Jordan began the game with the usual five.
#Butler's starters remain the same for yet another game: Thompson-Baldwin-Jorgensen-McDermott-Fowler.
Many fans were hoping for a little tinkering following the team's loss to Florida. Will be interesting to see how Coach Jordan utilizes his bench in this one.
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) January 2, 2019
On the other side, freshman and YouTube sensation Mac McClung was not dressed due to an ankle injury.
Georgetown freshman Mac McClung will not play tonight. pic.twitter.com/TZTwGR2ZOC
— Jimmy Lafakis (@JJLII30) January 2, 2019
However, it was seemingly his replacement that had the game of his life.
Malinowski hits another 3. He's 6 of 6, 3 of 3 from 3. Georgetown up 54-44.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 3, 2019
But it was possibly Georgetown’s best player, Jessie Govan, who freed up those open looks.
Govan is really good and also happens to be an awful matchup for butler
— Victory Firelight (@ButlerVictory) January 3, 2019
After a promising start to his Butler career, Jordan Tucker came back down to earth in his first Big East game.
Jordan Tucker 1-of-8 tonight. #Butler needed some of those to fall.
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) January 3, 2019
It was a disheartening effort as the Hoyas were in control for the majority of the game. It was evident the Bulldogs would drop the league opener pretty early and fans were not interested in seeing the comeback attempt.
Sellout crowd hitting the exits early here at Hinkle.
— Shooter Flatch (@HinkleHangover) January 3, 2019
Others didn’t mince words.
This isn’t The Butler Way. This is embarrassing
— Fake Brad Stevens (@FakeBradStevens) January 3, 2019
While some seemed to see more energy and urgency after an embarrassing loss, they were disappointed.
https://twitter.com/Section_29/status/1080636793865809920
It seems inevitable that some changes will be made.
Hopping on the “Brunk needs to start” train
— Thomas Petersen (@BU_Petey) January 3, 2019
For Butler fans, a losing streak does not come often nor is it taken lightly.
https://twitter.com/BarstoolButler/status/1080644844203196417
Still others vented their frustration even more.
I’ve never been so disappointed in Butler basketball. Coaching is poor and there is a clear lack of senior leadership. Tough to hold guys accountable when your 2 seniors are soft
— Ari Kasle (@AKasle_BU) January 3, 2019
It is noteworthy that the two seniors did not start the second half, despite neither being in foul trouble. Henry Baddley and Joey Brunk started instead. Look for some lineup changes to be made before Butler’s game at home at noon on Saturday against Creighton.
Final numbers from Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Dawgs are back in action on Jan. 5 vs. Creighton. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/d33zc2ooxq
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) January 3, 2019