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The Butler Bulldogs just keep on rolling with a huge 83-78 nonconference victory against the #9 Indiana Hoosiers.
I’m going to be honest though... I really did not see this one coming.
The first ten minutes of play were steady on both sides. The Dawgs would lead by a couple of points. Then the Hoosiers would lead by a couple of points.
Kelan Martin was silent for the first ten minutes of play, which was troubling as well. But then he showed up for the second part of the first half. He ended the first half with 16 points in 12 minutes, and Butler ended the first half up by 14 points.
How was that possible against the 7th ranked offense in the nation? IU was 0-8 from behind the arc in the first half.
But everyone knew IU was going to come out in the second half raining threes. And they did. The Bulldogs were able to keep the double-digit lead going into the late portion of the second half.
IU proceeded to make a late run and bring the game within two points. A huge Tyler Wideman dunk off a late out-of-bounds play to put the Dawgs up by five and seal the victory.
Martin ended the game with 28 points and four rebounds. Kamar Baldwin and Andrew Chrabascz each ended with 14 points a piece.
Three things we learned
Kelan Martin is still Player of the Year for Butler
Martin is just really good. I don’t even know what else to say. He doesn’t attempt a shot in the first eight minutes of the game and still ends up with 28 points. I don’t even know how this happens.
Kamar Baldwin is also still really good
Baldwin ended the game today with 14 points and five rebounds. Oh, and his second straight career start. I think he is in the starting lineup to stay after consistently solid performances. He also had to guard Blackmon Jr. basically all game which is absolutely not easy for anyone. Especially not a freshman.
Is it Big East season yet?
The Dawgs only have one more non-conference test this coming Wednesday when Vermont comes to town. And then it’s Christmas followed by Big East season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Mind you, this is a Butler team that was projected to finish 6th in the Big East.