Box Score Butler tipped off the 2015-16 season with a performance that shattered some of the Bulldogs' oldest records. The Bulldogs defeated The Citadel, 144-71, Saturday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in front of 8,440 fans who spent most of the evening watching a highlight reel unfold.
The Citadel, under coach Duggar Baucom and his frenetic style made famous at VMI where his team led the nation in scoring six of the last eight seasons, trapped all over the court and attempted 47 three-pointers. Butler keyed off that to put up staggering numbers offensively while holding the visitors to 27-percent shooting and forcing 20 turnovers.
Butler set records for most points in a game (144, previously 128), made field goals (56, previously 53), most points in a half (73 and 71, respectively, which both broke the previous mark of 63), and margin of victory (73, bettering a 68-point win – 82-14 – over Indiana Law School during the 1921-22 season). According to the ESPN Stats Department, it was the most points scored by a Division I team versus a Division I team since TCU beat UT-Pan American, 153-87, in 1997.
Seven Butler players scored in double figures, led by
Kellen Dunham, who had 24 points in only 18 minutes of action.
Roosevelt Jones posted his eighth career double-double with 18 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
Kelan Martin had 13 points and 10 boards for his first Butler double-double.
The Bulldogs had 92 points in the paint, which was highlighted by career nights by Tyler Wideman (18 points on 8-of-8 shooting) and Jackson Davis (19 points on 8-of-11 shooting). Andrew Chrabascz returned to the starting line-up after missing the team's second exhibition with a concussion to post 12 points and eight rebounds to go along with a career-high eight assists.
Tyler Lewis's Butler debut included a career-high 17 points, one better than his previous mark during his time at North Carolina State. Butler had 27 assists against only 11 turnovers despite the pressure applied by The Citadel for 40 minutes.
Butler's defensive effort was notable based on the frantic pace and number of possessions as The Citadel scored only 71 points on 27-percent (20-74) shooting. The visitors attempted 47 three-pointers.
All 12 Butler players who saw action scored. In the post-game press conference, coach
Chris Holtmann said that the coaching staff is still evaluating
Sean McDermott's role on the 2015-16 team and did not want to waste the opportunity to redshirt with meaningless minutes in this contest.
The Bulldogs travel to San Juan for the Puerto Rico Tip-Off next week. The first game is Thursday and the opponent is Missouri State. The Bulldogs will also play Friday and Sunday. All games will be televised and carried on the Butler radio network. Follow @ButlerMBB and ButlerSports.com for additional details.
Butler returns to Hinkle Fieldhouse on Nov. 28 for a game against SIU-Edwardsville.
