Although the men's team is not playing until next week and it is going to snow tonight, that doesn't mean you can't come support the women's basketball team. The Bulldogs (13-5, HL 3-4) take on Cleveland State (11-7, HL 5-2) tonight at 7 p.m. in Hinkle. It’s “That’s My Dawg!” night with voting for your favorite Bulldog. The Bulldog with the most votes will host a post game pizza party for her fans.
The girl's take on Youngstown State (9-9, HL 4-3) on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Polls
AP: 12
Coaches: 12
You can view the polls here.
Quick Thought
Because the Bulldogs are off this week other teams ranked ahead of them will determine their place next week's top 25. If teams ahead of the dawgs lose, they will move up. If team ahead of the dawgs win, they will remain where they are at.
Coaches: 12
You can view the polls here.
Quick Thought
Because the Bulldogs are off this week other teams ranked ahead of them will determine their place next week's top 25. If teams ahead of the dawgs lose, they will move up. If team ahead of the dawgs win, they will remain where they are at.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Green on Valpo
"We haven't started to prepare for Valpo yet. We have 10 days before we play them, so I'm sure we will use this time to get better."
Mike Green
Mike Green
Was there an A.J. Graves sighting on Saturday?
It's been over a month, but we finally saw a glimpse of what Butler fans have become accustomed to over the last couple of years last Saturday afternoon. Well, in the first half anyway. A.J. Graves' 6-15, 16 point performance made fans forget about his dismal January where he has shot 27 percent, even worse than that behind the 3-point line.
Graves may be getting a hang of these Horizon League defenses. After all, isn't that what great players do, adjust. HIs adjustment worked out Saturday atleast.
What Bulldog fans must understand is that Graves' value goes far beyond his numbers in the scoring column. If someone were to tell you that Graves was averaging 14 points per game, shooting below 35 percent from the field, and under 85 percent from the foul line, coupled with the fact that Butler would be 19-2 heading into the season stretch run would you believe them? Probably not.
Everything happens for a reason, and Graves' low numbers have done something great for this team. It has allowed freshman Matt Howard to lead the team in scoring his last seven games. It has made Mike Green an All-American candidate as well drawn him some interest from the NBA. On top of that, name me one team in the nation that wouldn't love to have Graves as its third leading scorer.
The bottom line is that Graves is just being keyed on by defenses, opening things up for his teammates, and the Bulldogs are a much better team becasue of it. He has not been struggling.
Heading into February's stretch run, however, I dont think anybody in Bulldog country is going to complain if Graves returns to to his "normal" slot. At the top of the box score, routinely in double digits.
Graves may be getting a hang of these Horizon League defenses. After all, isn't that what great players do, adjust. HIs adjustment worked out Saturday atleast.
What Bulldog fans must understand is that Graves' value goes far beyond his numbers in the scoring column. If someone were to tell you that Graves was averaging 14 points per game, shooting below 35 percent from the field, and under 85 percent from the foul line, coupled with the fact that Butler would be 19-2 heading into the season stretch run would you believe them? Probably not.
Everything happens for a reason, and Graves' low numbers have done something great for this team. It has allowed freshman Matt Howard to lead the team in scoring his last seven games. It has made Mike Green an All-American candidate as well drawn him some interest from the NBA. On top of that, name me one team in the nation that wouldn't love to have Graves as its third leading scorer.
The bottom line is that Graves is just being keyed on by defenses, opening things up for his teammates, and the Bulldogs are a much better team becasue of it. He has not been struggling.
Heading into February's stretch run, however, I dont think anybody in Bulldog country is going to complain if Graves returns to to his "normal" slot. At the top of the box score, routinely in double digits.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Men vs. UIC
University of Illinois- Chicago 57
Butler 73
Graves' Shooting Returns
Graves shooting returned during Saturday's game. Graves scored 16 points on 6-15 from the field. He started the game by shooting 4-4 and only made 2 more the rest of the game. From three point land Graves made 4 of 12 shots. Hopefully the 9 days off will not hurt the momentum/confidence he gained today. Graves also had 5 rebounds
Campbell/Betko
On Saturday Campbell only made 1 shot of the 6 he attempted for 3 points. That did not matter as Betko was 4-6 from the field and scored 11 points. One of the great things about this team is that someone will step up when another member is not performing well which is what Betko did.
Howard
Howard continued his spectacular playing. He led the Bulldogs with 20 points and only missed one field goal (he was 7-8) and made all 6 of the free throws he attempted. Howard can no longer be considered the typical freshman due to the experience he has this year. Howard has made significant progress this season. Earlier in the season, he was constantly in foul trouble which caused him to foul out of some games and could not be left in games for very long. I remember hearing Coach Stevens saying the staff was going to analyze the game tapes from Alaska to determine why he fouled so much.
UIC Threat
One of UICs players, Josh Mayo (#1), gave the dawgs a lot of trouble. He is quick, athletic and a very good shooter. He led UIC with 19 points. He shot 7-15 from the field (including 4-9 from 3 point land) and was 1-2 from the free throw line. When the dawgs go on the road to the UIC Pavillion this is a player they will have to defend otherwise they will be in that game
Attendance & Crowd participation
Saturday's official attendance was 4,952. Again this is pathetic. The Indianapolis community does not realize what they are missing or realize and do not care because ticket prices are so high. Today's crowd participation was also very weak. Hinkle needs to be a hostile environment.
Cleveland State Game
Cleveland State 71
UW-Milwaukee 79
This means Butler has a 1/2 of game lead in the Horizon League
Record: 19-2 (8-2)
Next Game: Feb. 5th @ Valpo 9:00 (The game will be televised on ESPN2)
Butler 73
Graves' Shooting Returns
Graves shooting returned during Saturday's game. Graves scored 16 points on 6-15 from the field. He started the game by shooting 4-4 and only made 2 more the rest of the game. From three point land Graves made 4 of 12 shots. Hopefully the 9 days off will not hurt the momentum/confidence he gained today. Graves also had 5 rebounds
Campbell/Betko
On Saturday Campbell only made 1 shot of the 6 he attempted for 3 points. That did not matter as Betko was 4-6 from the field and scored 11 points. One of the great things about this team is that someone will step up when another member is not performing well which is what Betko did.
Howard
Howard continued his spectacular playing. He led the Bulldogs with 20 points and only missed one field goal (he was 7-8) and made all 6 of the free throws he attempted. Howard can no longer be considered the typical freshman due to the experience he has this year. Howard has made significant progress this season. Earlier in the season, he was constantly in foul trouble which caused him to foul out of some games and could not be left in games for very long. I remember hearing Coach Stevens saying the staff was going to analyze the game tapes from Alaska to determine why he fouled so much.
UIC Threat
One of UICs players, Josh Mayo (#1), gave the dawgs a lot of trouble. He is quick, athletic and a very good shooter. He led UIC with 19 points. He shot 7-15 from the field (including 4-9 from 3 point land) and was 1-2 from the free throw line. When the dawgs go on the road to the UIC Pavillion this is a player they will have to defend otherwise they will be in that game
Attendance & Crowd participation
Saturday's official attendance was 4,952. Again this is pathetic. The Indianapolis community does not realize what they are missing or realize and do not care because ticket prices are so high. Today's crowd participation was also very weak. Hinkle needs to be a hostile environment.
Cleveland State Game
Cleveland State 71
UW-Milwaukee 79
This means Butler has a 1/2 of game lead in the Horizon League
Record: 19-2 (8-2)
Next Game: Feb. 5th @ Valpo 9:00 (The game will be televised on ESPN2)
Women vs. Wright State
Butler 65
Wright State 70
Record: 13-5 (3-4)
Next Game: Thursday vs. Cleveland State 7:00 @ Hinkle
Wright State 70
Record: 13-5 (3-4)
Next Game: Thursday vs. Cleveland State 7:00 @ Hinkle
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bracketbuster?
So the bracketbuster game is coming up at the end of next month and I am really curious as to who we will be playing....I am not even sure how they match teams up. One thing is for sure, what I want is to see my two favorite teams play each other - Butler vs. Vanderbilt. They have the highest graduation rate, according to the sweet sixteen poster that was in the west gym last night. They are similar teams, same size school although one is in a larger conference (SEC). Vanderbilt was undefeated until two unfortunate losses last week to Kentucky and Tennessee. Anyway, that's my wish. Let them battle it out and see whose better, but let me know what you think. Who do you think we will play?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Today's Games
Men vs. Loyola
Loyola 50
Butler 63
I was expecting the margin of victory to be larger as the dawgs beat the Loyola Ramblers earlier this season 66-55 at Loyola. One of the reasons that was not the case is that the Dawgs were unable to get defensive rebounds. This allowed Loyola to score on second and third chances. This also prevented the dawgs from putting the Ramblers away and allowed the Ramblers to hang around for most of the game as Butler was only able to sustain a 10 point lead.
At one point during the second half, the Ramblers were making shots while at the same time, Butler was unable to. The Ramblers cut the lead to single digits. Coach Stevens made a lineup change by going with a lineup of players that scorer. He took out Streicher and Betko and put in Campbell and Hahn. The other players on the floor were Graves, Green and Howard. The lineup worked as Campbell hit a 3 point shot right away. On the next possession he shot another trey, but missed it. However, a Bulldog got the rebound and scored on the second chance opportunity.
One decision that Stevens made that concerned me during the game is allowing Willie Veasley to play with 4 fouls. He committed his 4th foul with 8:16 left in the game. Before the Loyala player, J.R. Blount shot a free throw shot for the 3 point play, Stevens made a substitution. Veasley must have heard the horn as headed towards the bench. He looked surprised when he was not taken out the game. Veasley was in and out for the rest of the game, but did not commit foul number 5.
Graves continued to struggle. The Indy Star article about Graves' recent struggle shooting the basketball mentioned that he has played with a sore right foot this month and that the team is not providing anymore details. Perhaps they are doing that so that the opposing teams do not concentrate their defense on another player since Graves is still playing. Maybe the best thing for Graves is to sit out for a game or 2 so it to allow his foot to heal or come off the bench. It is clear that something is affecting his shooting. Tonight he was 2-11 from the filed including 1-8 from behind the 3 point arc for 5 points (he did not shoot any free throws). This adds to my argument why Campbell should start instead of Graves. Campbell scored 15 points including 3-6 from 3 point land. All the Bulldogs who shot more than one trey shot 33% or better. Overall the team was 7-23.
Tonight's official attendance was 3,822. Simply put, this is pathetic. Hinkle should be selling out for every game or at least much closer to a sell out. Coming into the tonight the team was 17-2. The team has also been in the top 25 most of the season. A lot of people have been complaining about the increase in ticket prices this season. This argument that ticket prices are too high was advanced tonight. 2 weeks ago, the dawgs played Green Bay at 9:00 at night there were only 3,226 fans at the game. Due to the start time and the fact that not all students were back from break it makes sense why that number is lower. I was expecting an increase of more than 596 fans for this game compared to the Green Bay game since it started at 7:00 and that classes are in progress. The athletic department needs to keep in mind that Butler is located in a major city where there people have a variety of choices to spend money on entrainment. Yes, a price increase on tickets is understandable considering it has been several years since prices have been increased, but they should not have been increased as much as they were.
The dawgs are now 18-2 (7-2 in the Horizon League.
Next Game: Saturday 2:00 vs. University of Illinois- Chicago at 2:00
Other Game of Note in the Horizon League
Cleveland State 50
UW- Green Bay 59
This means Butler is now a 1/2 game behind Cleveland State for the lead in the league.
Women at Detroit
Butler 72
Detroit 62
Lade Akande led the Bulldogs, who came back from an 11 point deficit, with 27 points. The dawgs are now 13-4 (3-3 in the Horizon League). Their next game is Saturday at Wright State. The game tips off at 1:00.
Loyola 50
Butler 63
I was expecting the margin of victory to be larger as the dawgs beat the Loyola Ramblers earlier this season 66-55 at Loyola. One of the reasons that was not the case is that the Dawgs were unable to get defensive rebounds. This allowed Loyola to score on second and third chances. This also prevented the dawgs from putting the Ramblers away and allowed the Ramblers to hang around for most of the game as Butler was only able to sustain a 10 point lead.
At one point during the second half, the Ramblers were making shots while at the same time, Butler was unable to. The Ramblers cut the lead to single digits. Coach Stevens made a lineup change by going with a lineup of players that scorer. He took out Streicher and Betko and put in Campbell and Hahn. The other players on the floor were Graves, Green and Howard. The lineup worked as Campbell hit a 3 point shot right away. On the next possession he shot another trey, but missed it. However, a Bulldog got the rebound and scored on the second chance opportunity.
One decision that Stevens made that concerned me during the game is allowing Willie Veasley to play with 4 fouls. He committed his 4th foul with 8:16 left in the game. Before the Loyala player, J.R. Blount shot a free throw shot for the 3 point play, Stevens made a substitution. Veasley must have heard the horn as headed towards the bench. He looked surprised when he was not taken out the game. Veasley was in and out for the rest of the game, but did not commit foul number 5.
Graves continued to struggle. The Indy Star article about Graves' recent struggle shooting the basketball mentioned that he has played with a sore right foot this month and that the team is not providing anymore details. Perhaps they are doing that so that the opposing teams do not concentrate their defense on another player since Graves is still playing. Maybe the best thing for Graves is to sit out for a game or 2 so it to allow his foot to heal or come off the bench. It is clear that something is affecting his shooting. Tonight he was 2-11 from the filed including 1-8 from behind the 3 point arc for 5 points (he did not shoot any free throws). This adds to my argument why Campbell should start instead of Graves. Campbell scored 15 points including 3-6 from 3 point land. All the Bulldogs who shot more than one trey shot 33% or better. Overall the team was 7-23.
Tonight's official attendance was 3,822. Simply put, this is pathetic. Hinkle should be selling out for every game or at least much closer to a sell out. Coming into the tonight the team was 17-2. The team has also been in the top 25 most of the season. A lot of people have been complaining about the increase in ticket prices this season. This argument that ticket prices are too high was advanced tonight. 2 weeks ago, the dawgs played Green Bay at 9:00 at night there were only 3,226 fans at the game. Due to the start time and the fact that not all students were back from break it makes sense why that number is lower. I was expecting an increase of more than 596 fans for this game compared to the Green Bay game since it started at 7:00 and that classes are in progress. The athletic department needs to keep in mind that Butler is located in a major city where there people have a variety of choices to spend money on entrainment. Yes, a price increase on tickets is understandable considering it has been several years since prices have been increased, but they should not have been increased as much as they were.
The dawgs are now 18-2 (7-2 in the Horizon League.
Next Game: Saturday 2:00 vs. University of Illinois- Chicago at 2:00
Other Game of Note in the Horizon League
Cleveland State 50
UW- Green Bay 59
This means Butler is now a 1/2 game behind Cleveland State for the lead in the league.
Women at Detroit
Butler 72
Detroit 62
Lade Akande led the Bulldogs, who came back from an 11 point deficit, with 27 points. The dawgs are now 13-4 (3-3 in the Horizon League). Their next game is Saturday at Wright State. The game tips off at 1:00.
A full Thursday Night...
Instead of sitting around on the futon watching Grey's Anatomy, consider watching one of the basketball teams play tonight.
For the men, they face Loyola at home at 7 p.m.
The women go on the road to try to end their two-game losing streak when they take on Detroit at 7 p.m.
So either come support your men's team at Hinkle this evening, or if you don't feel like getting out in the freezing cold, consider watching the women's game online.
For the men, they face Loyola at home at 7 p.m.
The women go on the road to try to end their two-game losing streak when they take on Detroit at 7 p.m.
So either come support your men's team at Hinkle this evening, or if you don't feel like getting out in the freezing cold, consider watching the women's game online.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
First Take on ESPN2
Butler has been selected as First Take's mid-major college basketball team. First Take airs from 10-12 and repeats from noon-2 weekdays on ESPN2. According to the Indy Star, the dawgs will be featured once a week, usually on Wednesdays. Last Wednesday they interviewed Coach Stevens. The interviewer asked terrible questions which is why I did not link to it to a video of it at the time. Today Mike Green was interviewed. Click here to see a see a video of it.
Men's Basketball Podcast
Hey everyone that loves Butler Basketball, Dawgnet has finally posted our men's basketball podcast. The podcast itself is about 10 minutes long. Several players were interviewed as well as the head coach. While unfortunately it is not a video, it is still really cool and gives you an insight of the men's basketball team. Here's the link to the site if you want to check it out. If you have any comments or suggestions about the podcast and future podcasts, please feel free to input.
Click here to check it out
Click here to check it out
Basketball Podcast!
Dawgnet has just uploaded a podcast, which features interviews with players and Coach Stevens about the Horizon League schedule.
You can click here or visit Dawgnetnews.com to check it out!
You can click here or visit Dawgnetnews.com to check it out!
Games This Week
Men
Thursday 7:00 vs. Loyola
Saturday 2:00 vs. University of Illinois- Chicago
Women
Thursday 7:00 at Detroit
Saturday 1:00 at Wright State
Thursday 7:00 vs. Loyola
Saturday 2:00 vs. University of Illinois- Chicago
Women
Thursday 7:00 at Detroit
Saturday 1:00 at Wright State
Monday, January 21, 2008
Green on YSU
"Any win is big, and its even more meaningful coming after a tough loss. We are still getting better as a team and trying to stay consistent. We are not worrying ourselves with what the rest of the league is doing because that out of our control. We just want to take care of our business. Everything else will fall into place."
Mike Green
Mike Green
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Men's Game vs. Youngstown State
Butler 78
Youngstown State 69
Finally, the Dawgs win a road game in Ohio!
The Bulldogs dominated the first half and went into the locker room with an 18 point lead. During the first half, the Dawgs went inside to Howard, outside to Campbell and Green made free throws (he scored 7 of his 9 first half points at the charity stripe). During the first half the Bulldogs built a 20 point lead.
During the second half things changed. Youngstown State came out and went on a run right away in the second half and reduced the lead to single digits. They forced the Bulldogs to foul and were in the bonus for the last 12 minutes of the second half. Both Streicher and Betko made a three point shot that stopped the bleeding. Later in the half the Bulldogs lead by 8 points, but a 4 treys made by Campbell (2) and Graves (2) rebuilt the lead. Youngstown State chipped away at it for the rest of the game.
Pete Campbell has performed very during the past 3 games. His scoring has given me an indication that he is most likely over his injury. Last Saturday against Milwaukee he scored 15, on Thursday against Cleveland State he scored 15 and tonight he scored 19 points (7-10 from the field including 5-8 for trey). Tonight he also made several key defensive plays. He has 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Based on what I heard on the broadcast tonight, his defensive has improved significantly.
Graves scored 9 points in the game. He was 3-11 from the field including 3-8 from behind the 3 point arc. He also missed both shots from the free throw line. He did have 4 steals in the game. Based on his performance in the last few games, I think Graves is in a slump. If he continues to be in a slump, it could be detrimental to the team if other players do not step up.
One thought I would like your opinion on is the idea that Campbell should be back in the starting lineup. His numbers from the past three games make the case why he should back in the starting lineup. The problem is who should he replace? Howard has played extremely well since being put in the starting lineup. Betko and Streicher are excellent defenders and Green is an all around player. That leaves Graves, who as I mentioned, is in a slump, although he may have gotten out of it tonight. I am interested in reading your opinions about this. I have not fully thought through the pros and cons of the idea.
Next Game: Thursday vs. Loyola at 7:00
Youngstown State 69
Finally, the Dawgs win a road game in Ohio!
The Bulldogs dominated the first half and went into the locker room with an 18 point lead. During the first half, the Dawgs went inside to Howard, outside to Campbell and Green made free throws (he scored 7 of his 9 first half points at the charity stripe). During the first half the Bulldogs built a 20 point lead.
During the second half things changed. Youngstown State came out and went on a run right away in the second half and reduced the lead to single digits. They forced the Bulldogs to foul and were in the bonus for the last 12 minutes of the second half. Both Streicher and Betko made a three point shot that stopped the bleeding. Later in the half the Bulldogs lead by 8 points, but a 4 treys made by Campbell (2) and Graves (2) rebuilt the lead. Youngstown State chipped away at it for the rest of the game.
Pete Campbell has performed very during the past 3 games. His scoring has given me an indication that he is most likely over his injury. Last Saturday against Milwaukee he scored 15, on Thursday against Cleveland State he scored 15 and tonight he scored 19 points (7-10 from the field including 5-8 for trey). Tonight he also made several key defensive plays. He has 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Based on what I heard on the broadcast tonight, his defensive has improved significantly.
Graves scored 9 points in the game. He was 3-11 from the field including 3-8 from behind the 3 point arc. He also missed both shots from the free throw line. He did have 4 steals in the game. Based on his performance in the last few games, I think Graves is in a slump. If he continues to be in a slump, it could be detrimental to the team if other players do not step up.
One thought I would like your opinion on is the idea that Campbell should be back in the starting lineup. His numbers from the past three games make the case why he should back in the starting lineup. The problem is who should he replace? Howard has played extremely well since being put in the starting lineup. Betko and Streicher are excellent defenders and Green is an all around player. That leaves Graves, who as I mentioned, is in a slump, although he may have gotten out of it tonight. I am interested in reading your opinions about this. I have not fully thought through the pros and cons of the idea.
Next Game: Thursday vs. Loyola at 7:00
Men's Game vs. Youngstown State Halftime Update
Butler 40
Youngstown 22
Pete Campbell, Mike Green and Matt Howard have scored the majority of the points thus far. Campbell has scored 11 points off the bench, Howard has scored 16 and Mike Green has scored 9 thus far. Zach Hahn has grabbed 2 rebounds and has done other little things. Besides scoring Campbell has played great defense. Hopefully they will keep it up in the second half!
Youngstown 22
Pete Campbell, Mike Green and Matt Howard have scored the majority of the points thus far. Campbell has scored 11 points off the bench, Howard has scored 16 and Mike Green has scored 9 thus far. Zach Hahn has grabbed 2 rebounds and has done other little things. Besides scoring Campbell has played great defense. Hopefully they will keep it up in the second half!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Green on CSU
"Tough game against Cleveland state, they were the aggressors from the start to the end. A typical road game in this conference. The game is a painful learning tool, but its all about how you bounce back and we look foward to doing that."
Mike Green
Mike Green
Loss to Cleveland State
The Dawgs lost to Cleveland State 56-52 tonight. It appears that this season Cleveland State is going to play the same role that Wright State played last season... challenging the Bulldogs for the Horizon League regular season championship.
The Vikings remain at the top of the Horizon League with a 6-0 conference record, while the Dawgs will maintain the second position at 5-2.
The good news is that we will get a chance to play the Vikings at Hinkle, and CSU still has to play an away game against Valpo, who's sitting in the third spot at 4-2.
The bad news is that we still have to play at Valpo.
It's not, however, time to panic... yet. We have matched last season's performance, a season that I might add culminated in a Sweet 16, through the first 18 games at 16-2. We still get a retaliation game against Wright State in Hinkle. And we're still one of the top 15 teams in the country, which is not likely to change despite tonight's loss.
Right now it appears that we just can't beat Ohio teams while playing in Ohio. We'd better figure out a way tomorrow though, because we will be in Youngstown for a 7 p.m. tip on Saturday. We need to find the offense that we left in Alaska.
It's rally time Dawgs!
The Vikings remain at the top of the Horizon League with a 6-0 conference record, while the Dawgs will maintain the second position at 5-2.
The good news is that we will get a chance to play the Vikings at Hinkle, and CSU still has to play an away game against Valpo, who's sitting in the third spot at 4-2.
The bad news is that we still have to play at Valpo.
It's not, however, time to panic... yet. We have matched last season's performance, a season that I might add culminated in a Sweet 16, through the first 18 games at 16-2. We still get a retaliation game against Wright State in Hinkle. And we're still one of the top 15 teams in the country, which is not likely to change despite tonight's loss.
Right now it appears that we just can't beat Ohio teams while playing in Ohio. We'd better figure out a way tomorrow though, because we will be in Youngstown for a 7 p.m. tip on Saturday. We need to find the offense that we left in Alaska.
It's rally time Dawgs!
Men's Game vs. Cleveland State
As you probably heard/seen by now, the Bulldogs lost 56-52. Since I was at the women's game and was only able to listen to the last 10 minutes of the game on the radio so my comments here are limited.
Just like in other recent loses, Green and Graves scoring was limited. Green shot 4-11 from the field including 0-2 from beyond the 3 point line and made all 4 of the free throws he attempted for 12 points. Green also sat on the bench for approximately 10 minutes during the first half due to foul trouble as his second foul was charged to him relatively early in the game. Graves shot 2-11 from the field including 1-6 for three and missed his only free throw for 5 points in the game.
The Bulldogs are 1.5 now games behind Cleveland State in the Horizon League. This was the first game Cleveland State won against a top 25 team. The loss makes the home game against Cleveland State a must win.
The Bulldogs play at Youngstown State on Saturday at 7:00.
Just like in other recent loses, Green and Graves scoring was limited. Green shot 4-11 from the field including 0-2 from beyond the 3 point line and made all 4 of the free throws he attempted for 12 points. Green also sat on the bench for approximately 10 minutes during the first half due to foul trouble as his second foul was charged to him relatively early in the game. Graves shot 2-11 from the field including 1-6 for three and missed his only free throw for 5 points in the game.
The Bulldogs are 1.5 now games behind Cleveland State in the Horizon League. This was the first game Cleveland State won against a top 25 team. The loss makes the home game against Cleveland State a must win.
The Bulldogs play at Youngstown State on Saturday at 7:00.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Women's Game vs. Green Bay
Tonight the Lady Bulldogs lost at home 73-58 to University of Wisconsin- Green Bay.
First there was a Dawgpound section tonight. The section next to the band was full. The group next to a band did not cheer at all and sat the entire game. There was also a small group of students behind the basket including a couple of guys with body paint. I was honestly surprised that this many students came to the game especially since the men played a game that tipped off at 7:30. I expected many people to be watching the game on their computer or listening to it on the radio. On Saturday the women's game is at 2, so come out and support the Lady Bulldogs. There is no conflict with the men's game at Youngstown State as it starts at 7:00. One thing that I would like hear more is cheering, but in a blowout it is understandable why fans do not cheer as much.
Bulldog fans need to understand that Green Bay is a great basketball team. They came into Hinkle tonight with a 4-0 record in league play and a 12-3 overall record. There losses where at Illinois State, at home vs. Marquette, and at Wisconsin. Their last lost occurred on December 11th. According to a story on ESPN's website, Green Bay has won the Horizon League regular season championship the past 9 years. During that stretch they won the conference tournament 7 times and made 7 appearances in the NCAA tournament. Last year Green Bay was ranked #22 when they played Butler in the championship game. Green Bay won that game 91-64. Green Bay also won both games during the regular season.
Next Game: Saturday vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 2:00
First there was a Dawgpound section tonight. The section next to the band was full. The group next to a band did not cheer at all and sat the entire game. There was also a small group of students behind the basket including a couple of guys with body paint. I was honestly surprised that this many students came to the game especially since the men played a game that tipped off at 7:30. I expected many people to be watching the game on their computer or listening to it on the radio. On Saturday the women's game is at 2, so come out and support the Lady Bulldogs. There is no conflict with the men's game at Youngstown State as it starts at 7:00. One thing that I would like hear more is cheering, but in a blowout it is understandable why fans do not cheer as much.
Bulldog fans need to understand that Green Bay is a great basketball team. They came into Hinkle tonight with a 4-0 record in league play and a 12-3 overall record. There losses where at Illinois State, at home vs. Marquette, and at Wisconsin. Their last lost occurred on December 11th. According to a story on ESPN's website, Green Bay has won the Horizon League regular season championship the past 9 years. During that stretch they won the conference tournament 7 times and made 7 appearances in the NCAA tournament. Last year Green Bay was ranked #22 when they played Butler in the championship game. Green Bay won that game 91-64. Green Bay also won both games during the regular season.
Next Game: Saturday vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 2:00
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Heading into a our seventh and to this date most important Horizon League basketball contest Tomorrow night against Cleveland State (12-5, 5-0) the mens basketball team is healthy, a number 12 ranking, and has arguably the most improved frontcourt in the country. And I STILL dont think that we have seen our best Butler basketball team on the hardwood yet.
A.J. Graves exploded early in the year in winning the Great Alaskan Shootout, all three games he scored at least 17 points in. He kept Butler in the game against Ohio St. with his timely 3-point shooting and 14 point effort. Against Florida St. and Bradley he put up 25 and 21 respecively. However, in six games of conference play, Graves has scored double figures in but TWO of them, his Horizon League high of 13 vs Wisc. Green Bay on January 10th. I'd like to hope that Graves is for real, and the NBA potential type player that many thought he was early in the season. I'd like to think that Horizon League opponents haven't figured his game out and the way to play night night and night in grueling conference play. So therefore, A.J. Graves has yet to put together his best basketball game this season. Once he can do that, and stops forcing his shot and lets the game come to him it will make everyone, including senior gaurd Mike Green (the teams leading scorer, rebounder and assist man) that much better. And that's a scary thought.
Butler, a 16-1 basketball team, does not yet have an identity. That's a scary thought too, considering we have four players in double figures. Are we an inside team or outside team. It seems that the Bulldogs have not put together a game yet in which one has stepped up and not the other. Recently it's been the play inside of freshman Matt Howard who has scored atleast 13 points the last eight games, and Mike Green who has seemed to knife through any defender that he wants to in the paint. To start the year it was all the outside shooting of Graves, Pete Campbell, and Julian Betko. All three have yet to be on the same page on the same night as well. Betko has scored only 11 points in the last five games.
The one thing that we could count on has always been our foul shooting though right? Saturday against Milwaukee the Bulldogs shot a woeful 8-15 from the line.
The good news is that we repeatedly are finding different ways to win a basketball game. And once the Bulldogs find that identity, the sky is the limit for this veteran team.
A.J. Graves exploded early in the year in winning the Great Alaskan Shootout, all three games he scored at least 17 points in. He kept Butler in the game against Ohio St. with his timely 3-point shooting and 14 point effort. Against Florida St. and Bradley he put up 25 and 21 respecively. However, in six games of conference play, Graves has scored double figures in but TWO of them, his Horizon League high of 13 vs Wisc. Green Bay on January 10th. I'd like to hope that Graves is for real, and the NBA potential type player that many thought he was early in the season. I'd like to think that Horizon League opponents haven't figured his game out and the way to play night night and night in grueling conference play. So therefore, A.J. Graves has yet to put together his best basketball game this season. Once he can do that, and stops forcing his shot and lets the game come to him it will make everyone, including senior gaurd Mike Green (the teams leading scorer, rebounder and assist man) that much better. And that's a scary thought.
Butler, a 16-1 basketball team, does not yet have an identity. That's a scary thought too, considering we have four players in double figures. Are we an inside team or outside team. It seems that the Bulldogs have not put together a game yet in which one has stepped up and not the other. Recently it's been the play inside of freshman Matt Howard who has scored atleast 13 points the last eight games, and Mike Green who has seemed to knife through any defender that he wants to in the paint. To start the year it was all the outside shooting of Graves, Pete Campbell, and Julian Betko. All three have yet to be on the same page on the same night as well. Betko has scored only 11 points in the last five games.
The one thing that we could count on has always been our foul shooting though right? Saturday against Milwaukee the Bulldogs shot a woeful 8-15 from the line.
The good news is that we repeatedly are finding different ways to win a basketball game. And once the Bulldogs find that identity, the sky is the limit for this veteran team.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
In response...
... to the previous comment on Tim Maurer's recent post. This blog will continue through the basketball season, which will end in April with Bulldog national championships (I hope).
In regards to the lack of recent posts and the previous comment, I would like to inform all of you who were not aware that for the past month Butler students, which include the DogBloggers, have been on winter break... a break which is a much needed time to relax, recharge and spend time with family and friends. So, I apologize on behalf of the Dawgnet staff for not being able to update regularly, but you'll have to forgive us for being human.
Now that classes have resumed and our publication can begin to get up and running again, the DogBlog and Dawgnet will be updated as often as possible. Please keep in mind that this is the first week of classes, however, so we are just getting back on our feet.
In absence of our posts, I encourage all of our readers to post their own observations, thoughts, criticisms, encouragements and questions.
The women's next games is this Thursday at 7 p.m. in Hinkle. The men's next game is this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. against Cleveland State. You can watch the latter game by clicking here, signing into your account or making a new one. The process is easy and free.
I would suggest that readers should head down to Hinkle and show the women's team some support, and catch the men's highlights on DogBlog, Dawgnet and ESPN later that night.
Look for a return to continuous posting with these games. Until then, please forgive our humanity.
In regards to the lack of recent posts and the previous comment, I would like to inform all of you who were not aware that for the past month Butler students, which include the DogBloggers, have been on winter break... a break which is a much needed time to relax, recharge and spend time with family and friends. So, I apologize on behalf of the Dawgnet staff for not being able to update regularly, but you'll have to forgive us for being human.
Now that classes have resumed and our publication can begin to get up and running again, the DogBlog and Dawgnet will be updated as often as possible. Please keep in mind that this is the first week of classes, however, so we are just getting back on our feet.
In absence of our posts, I encourage all of our readers to post their own observations, thoughts, criticisms, encouragements and questions.
The women's next games is this Thursday at 7 p.m. in Hinkle. The men's next game is this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. against Cleveland State. You can watch the latter game by clicking here, signing into your account or making a new one. The process is easy and free.
I would suggest that readers should head down to Hinkle and show the women's team some support, and catch the men's highlights on DogBlog, Dawgnet and ESPN later that night.
Look for a return to continuous posting with these games. Until then, please forgive our humanity.
Catching Up
Sorry that I have not been posting lately. Here is an update from my perspective.
Men's Scores
Jan 5th
Valpo 73
Butler 65
Jan 7th
Butler 66
Loyola 55
Jan 10th
UW- Green Bay 74
Butler 65
Jan 12th
UW- Milwaukee 72
Butler 56
Women's Scores
Jan 5th
Butler 69
Valpo 77
Jan 10th
Butler 61
Loyola 50
Jan 12th
Butler 72
UIC 57
Men's Record: 16-1 (5-1)
This is the best start in school history!
Women's Record: 12-2 (2-1)
Thoughts
Matt Howard has played extremely well the past few games. He has earned a place in the starting lineup. In the Valpo game he scored 17 points in 12 minutes of action. In the Loyola game he scored 19 points in 20 minutes. In the Green Bay game he scored 22 points in 29 minutes. Last Saturday he scored 17 points in 22 minutes. Throughout this stretch Howard has started games out by scoring points in the paint. During the games Butler's offense has gotten away from passing the ball to him in the post. There are several possible reasons for this. One is that the his scoring has made open shots from beyond the arc. Another is that he has been taken out of the game to rest. Sometimes they never go back to this method of scoring and I wonder why. I should not complain thought since the dawgs are winning. Howard was also named Horizon League player of the week on Monday.
Zach Hahn has found has finally has scored points from three point range. Just like any shooter, it was simply a matter of time before he was going to make shots. A recent high point was scoring 8 points in the Green Bay victory. I think he will continue to improve as the season progresses.
The game at Loyola was more/less a home game for Butler. While I was watching the game on my computer, I noticed that a ton of Butler blue in the audience.
The crowd for the Green Bay game, last Thursday night, was only 3,226. The biggest reason for that was the start time 9:00. The game started late due to being televised on ESPNU. Very few people get that channel. I often reference the channel as ESPN U don't get it. Because of that it was not worth the late start time . If the game was on ESPN or ESPN2 a very good argument can be made that starting at 9:00 is worth it.
The men's team is ranked 12 in the AP and Coach's poll this week.
Tara Miller of the Butler's women's team currently leads the nation in assists to turnover ratio. She has 46 assists thus far and 13 turnovers for a ration of 3.54.
The men play Cleveland State Thursday night at 7:30. Cleveland State is currently the leader in the Horizon League with a 5-0 record in league play. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in league. Also on Thursday night the Women play Green Bay at Hinkle Feildhouse starting at 7:00.
Men's Scores
Jan 5th
Valpo 73
Butler 65
Jan 7th
Butler 66
Loyola 55
Jan 10th
UW- Green Bay 74
Butler 65
Jan 12th
UW- Milwaukee 72
Butler 56
Women's Scores
Jan 5th
Butler 69
Valpo 77
Jan 10th
Butler 61
Loyola 50
Jan 12th
Butler 72
UIC 57
Men's Record: 16-1 (5-1)
This is the best start in school history!
Women's Record: 12-2 (2-1)
Thoughts
Matt Howard has played extremely well the past few games. He has earned a place in the starting lineup. In the Valpo game he scored 17 points in 12 minutes of action. In the Loyola game he scored 19 points in 20 minutes. In the Green Bay game he scored 22 points in 29 minutes. Last Saturday he scored 17 points in 22 minutes. Throughout this stretch Howard has started games out by scoring points in the paint. During the games Butler's offense has gotten away from passing the ball to him in the post. There are several possible reasons for this. One is that the his scoring has made open shots from beyond the arc. Another is that he has been taken out of the game to rest. Sometimes they never go back to this method of scoring and I wonder why. I should not complain thought since the dawgs are winning. Howard was also named Horizon League player of the week on Monday.
Zach Hahn has found has finally has scored points from three point range. Just like any shooter, it was simply a matter of time before he was going to make shots. A recent high point was scoring 8 points in the Green Bay victory. I think he will continue to improve as the season progresses.
The game at Loyola was more/less a home game for Butler. While I was watching the game on my computer, I noticed that a ton of Butler blue in the audience.
The crowd for the Green Bay game, last Thursday night, was only 3,226. The biggest reason for that was the start time 9:00. The game started late due to being televised on ESPNU. Very few people get that channel. I often reference the channel as ESPN U don't get it. Because of that it was not worth the late start time . If the game was on ESPN or ESPN2 a very good argument can be made that starting at 9:00 is worth it.
The men's team is ranked 12 in the AP and Coach's poll this week.
Tara Miller of the Butler's women's team currently leads the nation in assists to turnover ratio. She has 46 assists thus far and 13 turnovers for a ration of 3.54.
The men play Cleveland State Thursday night at 7:30. Cleveland State is currently the leader in the Horizon League with a 5-0 record in league play. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in league. Also on Thursday night the Women play Green Bay at Hinkle Feildhouse starting at 7:00.
Updates
Okay, so yes, no one has updated in awhile...but quickly I will give a brief of where each team is at. The men are now 16-1, having won their past 8 games. They are now ranked 12th in both the AP and the Coaches poll. Their next game is Thursday, 01/17 at Cleveland State (the league leader).
The women are now 12-2 having had their second loss handed to them by Valparaiso on 1/5 (77-69). Recently though, in their past two games against Loyola Chicago and Illinois Chicago, they have come out on top. Their next game is on Thursday 1/17 against Green Bay @ 7 p.m. in Hinkle.
The women are now 12-2 having had their second loss handed to them by Valparaiso on 1/5 (77-69). Recently though, in their past two games against Loyola Chicago and Illinois Chicago, they have come out on top. Their next game is on Thursday 1/17 against Green Bay @ 7 p.m. in Hinkle.
Friday, January 4, 2008
If you are not doing anything tomorrow.....
The men are taking on Horizon League newcomer Valparaiso tomorrow (1/5) at 2 p.m. It's the team's first home conference game. The women on the other hand are taking on Valparaiso on the road at 2:35 p.m. This is the girl's first conference game.
Either game can be viewed on the Butler Athletics site.
Either game can be viewed on the Butler Athletics site.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Green on the first half of the season
"The non league games are scheduled to prepare us for the conference games and I believe they have done just that. We have played a bunch of road games and were fortunate enough to win. That half of the season is over and we look forward to the 2nd half which is conference."
Mike Green
Mike Green
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