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INDIANAPOLIS — Butler started Friday night’s game slowly, ended the first half in a malaise and woke up briefly in the second half before flaming out at the end, losing 68-66 to Austin Peay at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Butler had no answer for lightning-quick NC State transfer LJ Thomas. The 6-2 guard led all scorers with 29 points.
Patrick McCaffery led Butler with 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3. Pierre Brooks II added 13 points.
Butler struggles in the paint
Playing against a mid-major program in Austin Peay, one area Butler should’ve had an advantage was on the interior. The Bulldogs had a height and strength advantage over the Governors, but one thing that can’t be measured is a team’s heart.
Austin Peay was completely unafraid of Butler’s big men, led by LJ Thomas attacking the rim at will and scoring at a high clip. Austin Peay outscored Butler 44-26 on points in the paint.
At 7-1, Andre Screen is a talented offensive threat, but despite his height, he struggles to protect the paint and contest shots without fouling. Butler could not get entry passes to Screen, making his completely ineffective on both ends of the floor. Sophomore forward Augusto Cassia has shown an ability to protect the paint, and his athleticism allows Butler to play more up tempo with him in the game.
Cassia has to emerge as Butler’s center to tighten up the team’s deficiencies.
Offensive struggles remain
Butler’s first possession was a microcosm of the issues plaguing the offense. Austin Peay’s zone extended Butler’s offense well beyond the 3-point line. The Dawgs couldn’t get the ball inside to Screen, and they all just stood around, motionless, waiting for something to happen. The possession ended in a shot-clock violation in inexcusably flat way to start a game.
Butler committed 16 turnovers to Austin Peay’s eight, leading to 23 second-chance points for the Governors. Finley Bizjack looked comfortable running the offense at times, dishing out five assists. But the Dawgs’ offense experienced extended…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-mccafferys-23-points-cant-015846287.html
Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star
Publish date : 2024-11-09 01:58:00
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