Butler University Athletics

The Ronald Nored Era at Butler officially began with a three-point barrage as the host Bulldogs defeated Lafayette, 96-60, Monday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in the 2026-27 regular season opener for both teams.
 
The Bulldogs hit 16 three-pointers on the night as seven players connected at least once from behind the arc.
 
Asim Djulovic led the Bulldogs with 19 points in his official Butler debut; he was one of six Bulldogs to reach double figures.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Butler jumped out to an early 20-10 lead just five minutes into the contest by hitting six of their first nine attempts from the field.
• After keeping the lead in double digits, a quick 7-0 Lafayette spurt cut the Butler advantage to just six at 28-22, forcing a Butler timeout with 7:38 remaining in the half.
• The Lafayette surge was short-lived as the Bulldogs pushed the lead to 20 on a Jalen Jackson three-pointer as time expired in the first half; the 54-34 lead was Butler's largest of the half.
• Butler's lead swelled to 41 late in the second half.

 
TIP-INS:

• Djulovic, Jackson and Jordan Ellerbee were each 4-of-6 from three-point range for the Bulldogs; 44 of Butler's 67 attempts from the field were from behind the arc Monday night.
• Jackson scored 18 points to go along with five assists and five rebounds.
• Ellerbee scored 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field.
• Eduardo Klafke scored 13 points, pulled down seven rebounds and doubled his previous career-high with eight rebounds.
• Drayton Jones (eight rebounds) and Treyson Anderson (seven rebounds) each added 10 points; Jones had four blocks.
• Butler assisted on 26 of their 32 made field goals but did commit 20 turnovers.
• The Bulldogs went 16-for-17 from the free throw line.
• Shareef Jackson led Lafayette with 14 points, the only Leopard in double figures.
• Butler's defense limited Lafayette to 4-for-24 shooting from three-point range (17 percent).
• The Bulldogs have now won their home opener in 28 consecutive seasons; that dates back to 1998 when Missouri State (then referred to as Southwest Missouri State) won a 72-57 decision at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
• Monday night served as the first meeting between Butler and Lafayette as men's basketball opponents.
• Butler is 89-6 in their last 95 home games against non-conference teams. 

 
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs continue a three-game opening week, hosting FDU Wednesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tickets are still available for the 7 p.m. tip, which will air on ESPN+.