Ball State definitely tested the Bulldogs in the second half on Nov. 9. But, the Dawgs made some shots and left Muncie with a 61-45 win, and Pete Campbell really stepped up his game when it mattered.
The Cardinals came roaring out of the locker room and cut the BU advantage to 39-31. So, I began to get a little nervous, especially given our record on the road last year (which was a respectable 8-4 but included a loss to Indiana State). I began looking to the bench to see who would come in to stop this rally and set the Dawgs straight again. I caught myself wishing Brandon Crone was still wearing a Butler uniform (especially those stylish black road jerseys).
Crone possessed an intangible ability to rally his team and elevate his game when the team needed it last season. My wish did not come true, but another player rose to the occasion. Campbell hit three consecutive tri-fectors to halt the Cardinal rally and stretch the BU lead to 17 with nine minutes to play. He also made 4-of-7 from behind the arc in the second half.
Pete has been a streaky shooter in the past, but I'm going to start looking to him to lift this team like Crone used to do. He already plays with a lot of emotion and desire, as he showed when he got fired up after his nine-point rally.
The Dawgs are in good hands this year with the strong backcourt of Graves and Green, outstanding post play from freshman Matt Howard and the emotional leadership and ability of Campbell. The Ball State game proved this.
I'm excited about our revenge against Indiana State this Wednesday. We lost to the Sycamores in Terre Haute 72-64 last season, and I'm aching to squash them in Hinkle this year.
Picture: Butler shot 11-of-17 from the free throw line against Ball State on Nov. 9. Photo by Josh Arntz
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