03.08.07 Butler Basketball still has more wins to come
Just a reminder-I spent the past seven seasons working full time for the Horizon League in a variety of capacities, and this year serve as a consultant for Basketball Operations and Director of the Men’s Basketball Championship- so my objectivity could be called into question. However, I have seen the Bulldogs play all season and they have truly had a remarkable season.
What seems to be lost on some is they have won 27 games (a school record) and will be in the NCAA tournament with a reasonably favorable seed (maybe 6 through 9). Some say they are struggling in the past few weeks, and while they did lose the Horizon League Championship game to Wright State on Tuesday, I would argue that they are playing good basketball but have lost to very good teams.
The Horizon League is currently 12th in the RPI, ahead of the Colonial Athletic Association and the Mid American Conference to name a couple of conferences. This Number 12 rating is slightly behind Conference USA and the Western Athletic Conference.
The Dogs last three losses have been to Southern Illinois, Loyola and Wright State. Loyola has won 21 games and Wright State has won 22 in the 12th rated conference in the country. It is not like the Dogs lost to teams who were barely above .500.
Butler has an outstanding team, one which will be difficult to prepare for in March. Give them their due and respect, and do not be surprised if they advance to the Sweet Sixteen once again.
