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Butler Basketball: Breaking down each 2018-19 non-conference opponent

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MO – DECEMBER 05: McLane #11 of the Miami (Oh) Redhawks. He graduated this offseason. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – DECEMBER 05: McLane #11 of the Miami (Oh) Redhawks. He graduated this offseason. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Nov. 10: Miami (OH) at Butler

Leading off the season, Miami (OH) will be a nice test for Butler. This will come on the heels of two home exhibition games and surely the team will be geared up and ready to go for the regular season opener. Even though the Dawgs are traditionally excellent at home, this game against the RedHawks should not be one that fans simply chalk up as a victory right away. In similar fashion to LaVall Jordan at Butler, Miami (OH)’s head coach Jack Owens is entering his second season at the helm of the program.

In his first year, the RedHawks struggled to gather momentum but had a solid season overall. Despite being picked to finish last (sixth) in the MAC East in the preseason, Miami (OH) exceeded expectations to the tune of an 8-10 conference record and a third-place finish in their division (out of six). This was in large part due to the impressive contributions of a trio of freshmen.

light. Related Story. Updated preseason top-25

Nike Sibande (15.1 points), Jalen Adaway (8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds), and Dalonte Brown (8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds) were all full-time starters in their first seasons on campus. Considering all of them are returning for their sophomore campaigns, Miami (OH) could be a dangerous team in the MAC and a tough team to face early in the season. However, this does not mean that the RedHawks made it through the offseason unscathed. In addition to the graduation of Logan McLane (9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds), the program also lost Darrian Ringo (9.6 points) and Jake Wright (5.4 points) to transfer.

Considering Butler has won its home opener in each of the past 19 seasons, it would be a mistake to bet against them. Regardless, this will be a more difficult season opener than the program may be accustomed to as of late.