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Butler Basketball: Key matchups from 2022-23 non-conference schedule

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 9, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Chuck Harris (3) at the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Chuck Harris (3) at the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Butler Basketball’s non-conference schedule was released, featuring a few tough opponents. Can the Bulldogs go through the gauntlet before Big East play?

Last season was a tough one for Butler Basketball, finishing 14-19 overall and causing a coaching change. The troubles started all the way to the non-conference, losing three straight games at one point and not getting a D-I win in the Maui Invitational.

The Bulldogs went just 7-4 in the non-conference overall, with two of them coming against D-I foes. The lone highlight came in the overtime win against Oklahoma, who also didn’t make the NCAA Tournament.

This time around, Butler is hoping for more success in the first couple of months of the season. The non-conference slate has officially come out, featuring some interesting opponents and potential foes. Here are some notable games.

at Penn State – Nov 14th (Gavitt Tip-off Games)

The Nittany Lions are a team that could make a move up the Big Ten ladder this upcoming season. They return guards Jalen Pickett and Myles Dread, while also having double-digit scoring forward Seth Lundy as well. New transfers Andrew Funk and Cam Wynter add scoring depth to the team as well. It’ll be a good test for the guards for Butler and with this being a road game, should be a solid fight.

Battle for Atlantis – Nov 23rd (Tennessee, BYU or USC, TBD)

Butler is taking part in one of the top non-conference tournaments, joined by a couple of top-25 caliber programs. One of them is their opening-round opponent in Tennessee, who has a lot of scoring potential in the backcourt but some questions in the frontcourt. That’s where the Bulldogs’ new-look inside-game can make the difference if they impose their will early on.

Whether they win or lose, both BYU and USC will offer Butler another good game and resume-builder. The Trojans are young but have more talent than the Cougars but both will be formidable foes got the Bulldogs.

Kansas State – Nov 30th (Big 12/Big East Battle)

New head coach Jerome Tang brought in eight newcomers from the transfer portal, including most notable, Keyontae Johnson from Florida. There’s not a lot of starpower on this roster overall unless guys like Desi Sills and Tykei Greene have a big impact in the backcourt for Kansas State. On paper, Butler should have the edge but with the Wildcats having so many wildcards and unknowns on the team, they could be a much more formidable opponent than expected.

Next. Top 25 returning Big Ten players for 2022-23. dark

at Cal – Dec 10th

Arguably the most dangerous game on the schedule for Butler but it’s not because Cal will be good. In fact, the best player they return from a team that won just 12 games total last season is  Jalen Celestine at 7.5 ppg. Texas transfer Devin Askew is the big pickup for the program this offseason but the former five-star prospect hasn’t shown much at the college level. But with this being a true road game, the Bulldogs have to be careful and avoid what would be an awful loss on their resume.