Disrespected Dawgs head to Happy Valley

 

Our Dawgs are facing their first real season test as they head to Happy Valley to face Penn State. The theme of this game will be putting the Dawgs back on the map. The Nittany Lions are 25-31 over their past 2 seasons yet started the week as a 9-point favorite over the Dawgs. Butler needs to set the tone that they are back to form in this game to shut down the critics and get back to national relevance. 

What to Expect from Penn State 

The Dawgs need to focus on dominating the paint and defending the three-point line. Penn State lacks a true presence inside which will allow Manny Bates to continue his dominant form and establish himself as the best player on the court. The one area that Penn State excels is behind the three-point line as they have hit 34 threes in their first 2 games this season. Limiting their efficiency from 3 is essential in stifling the offense and controlling the pace of the game.

3 Goals for the Game 

1. Dominate the pace of play: Butler has more talent in the open court than Penn State and they need to exploit this advantage at every chance they get. Speeding up Penn State and forcing contested shots outside their established offense will allow the Dawgs to limit his percentage looks and take away the Nittany Lion's main strength.
2. Run the offense through Bates: Most fans saw Manny Bates dominant game and thought his presence inside was the most important asset he brought to the offense. What I saw was how many more efficient looks it created for Harris and the company in the backcourt. In his first 2 seasons, Harris has had to create his own offense but BAtes allows him to find catch-and-shoot opportunities that will force defenses to stay honest and allow for a well-rounded offense to flourish. 
3. Knock down shots: The one critique from the first game would be the horrendous percentage from the 3-point line. Look for Harris, Lukosius, Hunter, Taylor, and company to knock down open threes today as they got rid of the first game jitters in a new system in front of an energetic Hinkle crowd. 

Score Prediction 

Butler: 84

Penn State: 75 

Bet of the Day (1-0)

Butler ML +205