Pierre Brooks II had 20 factors, hitting 4 3-pointers, and Butler broke away from Western Michigan within the second half to assert an 85-65 victory on Monday in Indianapolis.
After a disappointing loss to Austin Peay their final day trip, Bulldogs coach Thad Matta inserted Augusto Cassia into the beginning line-up in search of a fast begin, and he responded with a profession excessive 16.
Butler was additionally trying to minimize down on turnovers after committing 35 of their first two video games. Butler solely dedicated 11 on the night time.
Donovan Williams led Western Michigan with 17 factors and 9 rebounds, whereas teammate JaVaughn Hannah chipped in 15 factors. The Broncos shot 4-for-22 from 3-point vary.
Western Michigan opened with 5 straight factors to begin the competition with Hannah hitting a fall-away jumper and a 3-pointer from the wing. That might be the Broncos largest lead of the night time.
Nonetheless, the primary half noticed the groups buying and selling baskets. The sport was tied 11 instances within the first half and noticed seven lead adjustments. Butler led 39-37 at halftime.
The Bulldogs opened the second half sizzling. Cassia began issues with a dunk on an alley-oop. Finley Bizjack added a driving basket and the Bulldogs went on a 16-2 run over a four-minute span to make it 55-39.
Western Michigan responded with a 15-2 burst capped by a jumper from the elbow by Strickland with 11:11 to tug to 57-54, however Butler dominated the ultimate minutes. Western Michigan scored solely 4 factors within the last 7:02 because the Bulldogs closed out with the sport’s last ten factors.
Butler went 10-21 from 3-point vary and had 21 assists to the Broncos’ seven.
–Discipline Stage Media