Butler used a strong defensive effort to post a 56-47 win over IUPUI on the first night of the 2021-22 season. Hinkle Fieldhouse played host to the event, which was the Bulldogs' 23^rd consecutive win in a home opener.

The Bulldogs limited the visitors to 38-percent shooting, including a 3-of-23 clip from three-point range.

"We are embracing 'winning gritty,' said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "You've got to be able to embrace winning in different ways. This group, on the whole, is a group that can do that. It was a good team win… a lot of lessons to learn, but a good team win." 

Butler sophomore Chuck Harris led the team with 16 points, utilizing a 10-of-13 performance from the free throw line. Harris added five rebounds and four assists.

Jayden Taylor, who along with Simas Lukosius both got starts Tuesday night as true freshmen, also reached double figures with 12 points. Lukosius had eight points and matched Bryce Nze for the team lead with seven rebounds.

The Bulldogs were able to overcome a tough shooting night of their own (34 percent) by going 19-of-23 from the free throw line and out-rebounding the Jaguars, 38-26.  

B.J. Maxwell led IUPUI with 14 points.

Butler also limited IUPUI to only 47 points when the teams met to open the 2019-20 season at Hinkle Fieldhouse (an 80-47 Butler win).

Butler was without the services of graduate transfer Ty Groce (knee), who could possibly return to action in the Bulldogs' upcoming contest. Aaron Thompson (three-game suspension), Bo Hodges (knee) and Myles Tate (knee) also missed the IUPUI game.

The Bulldogs (1-0) return to action this weekend, hosting games Friday (Central Arkansas, 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (Troy, 8 p.m.) at Hinkle Fieldhouse.