Box Score
Butler opened up the 2019-20 season with a 70-40 exhibition victory over IU-Kokomo Saturday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Redshirt senior Sean McDermott led the way with 18 points.

McDermott was a perfect 4-for-4 from behind the arc in the first half and had 16 points at the intermission. Kamar Baldwin (11) and Christian David (10) would eventually join him in double figures.

"It was good to see a different opponent," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "I thought our defense was good throughout. We stuck to our principles and I think we drew five charges, which is encouraging. This will be a great opportunity to learn from live action and be able to provide some feedback to our guys."

Butler put the game out of reach with a 12-0 run early in the contest to make it 15-5 as the Bulldogs' defense held the visiting Cougars scoreless for a stretch of 9:50. The Bulldogs led, 46-19, at halftime.

Butler's defense was stout throughout, limiting IU-Kokomo to 28-percent shooting and forcing 19 turnovers. No Cougar scored more than eight points.

The offense trailed off in the second half after an explosive first half that saw the Bulldogs shoot 50 percent from the field and hit six three-pointers. For the game, Butler shot 44 percent.

Butler had a 43-28 rebounding advantage with Jordan Tucker leading the way with seven boards. David and Aaron Thompson each added six. Thompson also had a game-high six assists (Butler assisted on 17 of its 25 made field goals). Baldwin had four steals.

All 11 Bulldogs who saw action scored.

The Bulldogs return to action Friday night, hosting their second and final exhibition at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The opponent is the University of Indianapolis and the game will tip at 7 p.m.