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The Butler Bulldogs will return to Hinkle Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon for a matinee showdown against in-state foe Indiana State.
The Bulldogs, coming off a huge victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats, come into the game at 5-1, and ranked #25 in the country.
The Sycamores, on the other hand, come into the game at 3-3.
How to watch, listen, or stream
Game time: Noon ET
TV: FOX Sports 1
Radio: 1070 The Fan (Butler)
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go (where available)
Gamblin' Info
Line: Butler (-16) via OddsShark.
ATS Records: Both teams are 3-3 against the spread this season.
O/U: 148.5
Series History
Indiana State is Butler's most-played opponent ever. Per Butler's game notes, this is the 126th meeting between the schools. Butler holds a 69-56 lead, including three in a row.
Three things to watch
1. Emotional Hangover?
We see it all the time in college athletics. A team goes on the road and picks up a big victory, and then the emotional high clouds their focus in the next game.
I feel that Butler is too well coached, and has too much veteran leadership to fall into the trap, but it's certainly something to keep in mine, especially if the Bulldogs get out to a slow start again like they did against SIU-Edwardsville.
The noon start time doesn't help, either.
2. Kellen Dunham
Dunham's been on fire this season. He's averaging 21.7 points per game, which is the best in the Big East and 16th in the nation. He's also 28-29 from the free throw line this season, which is second in the nation.
Last season against Indiana State, Dunham led the Bulldogs with 14 points on 5-7 shooting.
With how he's been playing of late, it's a virtual certainty that Dunham will have more than seven shots in Saturday's contest.
Dunham's a combined 17-28 (.607%) in his last two games with 56 points. Indiana State's defense has been good this season, but they've yet to face a shooter of Dunham's caliber.
3. Hinkle Magic
The Bulldogs haven't lost a home nonconference game under Chris Holtmann.
This likely won't change when the Sycamores come to town, but the Bulldogs will have to be sure to focus on guard Devonte Brown.
Brown is leading Indiana State in scoring with 15.2 points per game on the season. He also led the Sycamores in scoring last season against the Bulldogs, when he had 16 points.