Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle Explorers (12-5) - 1/23

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

One point underdog? Interesting.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

I can't shake the feeling we're going to lose this game. If we do the message board reaction will be interesting.

What a feat by this team if we win, though. To go 4-0 without Rotnei...incredible.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Would not be surprised at all to see us lose tonight.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Line has already moved to Dawgs +2.5 or even +3 on one site

Not much faith in the Bulldogs in the betting world apparently

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Understand the angst. We do have strengths that may help us. Strong man defense, strong rebounding, competent inside game. Turnovers are a big issue, can they harry us into mistakes. I'm hoping Smith feels comfortable. Hope Woods can have a big contribution off the bench. Will Rosie have Galloway?

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

No surprise there. La Salle is a solid team and it's tough to win on the road.

This is a dangerous game for Butler. La Salle is not Richmond or Dayton. They have some legit guards, a sufficient inside game and will pressure our offense. I would expect to see some full court pressure.

That said, Butler should still be able to escape with a victory.

Jones on Galloway
Barlow on Duren

If they can shut down those two the way have have been shutting other teams top scores down, La Salle becomes a lot less scary. Still no easy task.

Need a big game from Smith/Marshal/Jones in the paint. Dunham may have an ugly game shooting because he's not going to have a lot of space. If Smith gets going, that could change.

Tough game to call, I'll take Butler by 3.

Pissed this game isn't televised because it's going to be a good one.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Would love to somehow parlay the momentum into a fast start tonight to take the crowd out of it early. I would definitely play inside out to try and take advantage of Smith, and if he can get going it will open up some other things.

I do agree they will try and speed things up as much as possible knowing our main ball handler is out. Should be a great battle and it is a shame no one has picked it up for TV.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

At first I sort of thought this would be the classic trap-game. But, the more I think about it, I think we are going to pull it off. Our O has been surprisingly good w/o Rot. Should be favorable matchups tonight especially for Smith and Jones. And, Lasalle's main players are all guards. Everyone knows what happens to teams that rely heavily on their guards to produce when they play Butler.

BU by 5.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

I think LaSalle might come out tight. Philly is building this up as the biggest game in the last 20 years for LaSalle. Butler is an experienced team and an experienced program in playing in games like this. LaSalle not so much, but they are good and that worries me with Rot down again.

Lasalle guards shot horribly Sat at X. Hopefully we can continue that trend tonite.

Go Butler.

P.S. Locals bars like Moe and Johnnys are carrying the game. The taverns are going to be the place to watch this one. Should be a great atmosphere coming off the Gonzaga thriller. I fully expect another crazy madhouse Sat nite at Hinkle for the Temple showdown too.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Along with Temple, Rhode Island is practically sold out, as is Saint Louis and Xavier is sold out. I think you'd have to look back quite a ways to find a year in which Butler had 5 sellouts in one season.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Hadn't really thought about that. Hope you're right butlerfan. At least you made me feel a little bit less nervous about tonight haha.

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Dayton and La Salle are the same team, barring Dayton is EXTREMELY unlucky....

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Just out of curiosity, what is the rating of Butler's luck?

 

RE: Butler Bulldogs (16-2) at La Salle (12-5) - 1/23

Is it not on WNDY?

 

I think I will be happier the Day Stigall graduates then when I graduated. That kid can't hit a shot to save his life, dribble or pass the ball. The only explanation on how he gets playing time is he must be related to Brad Stevens somehow.