Busting Brackets
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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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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 16: Detroit players celebrate. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE – MARCH 16: Detroit players celebrate. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Nov. 10: Detroit at Butler

In the second regular season game of the year, Butler will meet up with Detroit, a former foe in the Horizon League of a few years ago. While the Titans might not be the most difficult matchup on this schedule, it is always nice to rekindle old conference affiliations. During this past season, Detroit really struggled overall, finishing with an 8-24 (4-14 HL) record. This marked the second straight season in which the program was held to just eight wins.

Looking to Detroit’s outlook this season, things are still fairly bleak. The team’s leading scorer from last year, Kameron Chatman (17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds) elected to turn pro, five players elected to transfer this season, and three players graduated. This exodus of players included the departures of three players who averaged double-figures in scoring last season. Because of this, it is hard to imagine that Detroit will be marginally better than last year.

There are a couple of players who could be poised for breakouts, though. Most notably, guard Josh McFolley (11.1 points) will be the second offensive option as a senior and rising junior Cole Long (3.8 points, 2.6 rebounds) could see a massive increase in role. Regardless, though, this should go down as simply a solid early-season win for Butler.