Butler gears up for Cross Roads Classic: A walk on story

Written by: Marko Tomich

Two years ago and some change Butler made a splash in the Cross Roads Classic. A Walk-on point guard by the name of Alex Barlow hit a game winning shot over the No. 1 ranked Hoosiers lifting Butler over Indiana 88-86.

Barlow’s game-winning shot against Indiana two years ago was a finalist for the 2012-13 Geico Play of the Year.The name Alex Barlow has slowly become a household name for Butler fans ever since his faithful floater toppled the Hoosiers. Now two years later Barlow is starting, a senior and a leader for the Dawgs.

Barlow’s minor role two years ago has flourished into a full time gig where has started 43 consecutive games for the Bulldogs. The former walk-on has 64 career starts at Butler.

Barlow has always been portrayed as a defender, he is currently second in the Big East in steals a game (2.8), but in his senior year has developed an offensive game.

Barlow is averaging a career-high 7.5 points per game more than triple the total of his sophomore season when he knocked off Indiana.

If Barlow scores five points against the Hoosiers he will have matched his entire sophomore year total (80), in just his first 11 games this year.

Barlow and the Bulldogs will be coming off a bad loss to Tennessee after blowing a 12-point lead in the second half.

Second half trailing is an uncharacteristic move by the Dawgs who haven’t trailed in the second half of a game since November.

Butler is the lone team that has yet to lose the Cross Road Classic although of their three wins were decided by less than six points. Butler is 9-2 all together at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Forward Austin Etherington is facing his former collegiate team for the first time.  A graduate student, Etherington transferred to Butler from Indiana this year. Etherington is the only player to play at both schools.

What the Northwestern games tell us about Butler

Written by: Marko Tomich

1.

The addition Roosevelt Jones into the Bulldog’s line up has been HUGE. Jones is a do it all utility man for the Dawgs as we saw in the Northwestern game. Jones was able to score 12 points, grab six rebounds and toss out four assists as the Bulldogs fended off the Wildcats. Butler last year struggled against bigger and more aggressive opponents the addition of Jones has helped. (As Butler has seen in Battle 4 Atlantis)

2.

The offense is balanced and when one player is having an off night, someone else is able to step up. Last year the Dawgs were a one-person offense (Kellen Dunham in case you missed every game). Kellen struggled in the first half against the Wildcats to be the go to guy and find his shot. Alex Barlow was able to step up or Andrew Chrabascz. The team showed last night if you slow down one the others will step up.

3.

Coach Chris Holtmann is the real deal. He shows leadership and commands respect from his players. It is clear and obvious that the team chemistry is at a completely different level than it was last year. He has the team playing every game like it is a conference game. Although it was a close game Holtmann was able to grind out a win in a match his team never trailed.

4.

The Bulldogs have senior leadership. When Northwestern was hanging in the game late Barlow made a steal that led to a layup at the other end. Barlow’s steal put the Hinkle Fieldhouse fans over the top, which helped the Dawgs regain momentum for the remainder of the game. Barlow has been able to lead by example and vocally for Butler. The team never seems to be lost when the ball is in his hands he is a floor general that Butler has been missing.

Butler beats down Loyola Maryland

Written by: Marko Tomich

Dominating, the single word to describe Butler and freshman Kelan Martin’s game against the Loyola Maryland in an 80-39 rout. The Bulldogs are 3-0 on the season and look right on schedule even with interim head coach Chris Holtmann stepping in for Brandon Miller.

Martin is a pure-bred scorer from Louisville, Ky., that can hurt you from a variety of ways, which Loyola found out quickly. Martin entered the game with Butler trailing by two and the Bulldogs never looked back.

Martin recorded an assist, steal and three pointer in his first two possessions early in the first half.

Martin was three of three from behind the arc, snagged five rebounds, and tossed two assists on his way to 13 points all in the first half.

Butler’s defense turned up the pressure forcing nine first half turnovers and held Loyola to just 29 percent from the field and a measly 22 percent behind the arc.

Butler went to the locker room with a 42-18 point lead, for those of you keeping track at home Martin trailed Loyola by only five at half.

Butler continued its prolific offensive performance that included 40 points in the paint and converted 37 points off of turnovers.

Loyola’s bright spot was Eric Laster who seemed to be the only player that could find himself in an offensive grove. Laster finished with 24 points hitting four of his six three point attempts.

The bench was the big difference in the match. Butler’s bench outscored their opponent 39-0. Loyola’s bench went a combined 0-18 from the field.

Roosevelt Jones continues his stat-stuffing year finishing the game with 10 points, six assist, and four steals. Butler sure did miss his toughness and all around play last year.

Butler will be traveling to the Bahamas for their next game, as they will be in the Battle 4 Atlantis Thanks giving tournament. Butler will square off with North Carolina in their first match.

The Dawgs walked away with a win last time these two met in a Thanks giving tournament, 2012 Maui Invitational, then freshman Kellen Dunham had 17 points.