On the Bright Side...

While I am sure many Butler Basketball fans are somewhat unhappy due to this afternoon's loss to Loyola-Chicago (13-15, 5-11), this isn't something to worry too much about. Chalk it up for another loss, only unfortunately, it is their first loss of the season at home. What some sports analysts would say is that this was going to happen eventually - being a young team and all, but honestly, a game is a game. Today, the Bulldogs were just not on their game, and it's not because they are so young either. Granted, they are young and still have some growing to do, but it just seems that Loyola came out stronger and wanted it more. There were a few moments in the end where we could have pulled it off, but the game would have still belonged to Loyola. They fought and held the lead the entire game. Sorry to say, but they were the better team....today. Let them have their glory today, because we still have a long road ahead of us.

The Bulldogs are still in the lead in the Horizon League (the closest is UW-Green Bay who are two and half games out) and still have a few more games to go in this season, not to mention taking on strong mid-major Davidson next weekend. While Davidson is not ranked, they are a pretty tough team with Stephen Curry leading the pack. They are a lot similar to us in that many can consider them underestimated, mostly due to the league they are in. They were the mid-major team last year that made it to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament, only to lose to 2008 NCAA Champion, Kansas. Like us, they do not have really any other power teams in their league. Next weekend's game will surely be tough for the both of them...and I hope this loss will give the Bulldogs that extra boost to walk all over their next opponents, but that's only wishful thinking.

In summary, while difficult, this loss was nothing but a loss. All we can do is cheer for the team again when they take the court. Their next couple of games are away at U-W Milwaukee and Davidson, followed by Youngstown State and Cleveland State at home. Without a doubt, we will be in the Horizon League Tournament and hopefully granted a great seed for the NCAA Tournament.