Butler
While things have not gone according to plan at Butler in recent years, the program is trending upwards in Thad Matta’s second year back in Indianapolis. The nonconference stretch included nice wins over Boise State and Texas Tech, but the Bulldogs got off to a dreadful start to Big East play. They endured a stretch of five losses in six games, though that one victory was a shocker at Marquette.
After that 2-5 start to league play, the Bulldogs have played better basketball, running off three straight wins to get back to .500, including last Saturday’s double overtime win against Villanova. However, Butler’s lone game of the last seven days was a massive breakthrough, as the Bulldogs won a big upset at Creighton, surviving in a 99-98 thriller. Not only was this their third Quad 1 win, but it was yet another major road victory in conference play.
Just one of Butler’s seven losses is against non-Quad 1 opposition and they’ve worked their NET back up to 48. The Bulldogs are trending in the right direction to get inside the field, especially because of this four game winning streak. This win was important as well because Butler has a hellish schedule in the weeks ahead, meaning plenty more Quad 1 opportunities; a few more wins could get the Bulldogs into the Dance.