Horizon League Championship: Butler vs. Wright St.

The 12th ranked Butler Bulldogs look to win another Horizon League Title as they take on feisty Wright St. Raiders squad Tuesday night. Butler currently holds the longest winning streak in the country at 19 games with their last loss coming to Alabama-Birmingham back on December 22nd. Despite winning both games against the Raiders by 12 points during the regular season, it won’t be an easy task taking them down in the Championship game.

Wright St. is much better than their record indicates. They have lost several close games, and have only lost by double-digits 3 times this season (twice to Butler, once to Mississippi St.). They play a lock-down style of defense that suffocates their opponents. At 60.5 points per game allowed defensively, they are 2nd to only Butler in the Horizon league.

Vaughn Duggins and Todd Brown lead the way on offense, combining for over 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game. The Raiders don’t have a ton of size, but they do go 4 deep at the guard position. It takes a fast cohesive defensive unit to keep Wright St’s guards in check. N’Gai Evans and Try Tabler average just over 9 points apiece, and have the ability to shut down opposing guards. They will need to be at their best if they are to have any chance of winning the Horizon league title game against Butler.

The Bulldogs resume’ is far more established in terms of strength of schedule. They have taken down Xavier and a very good Ohio St team, and lost to Clemson by just 1 point. Gordon Hayward is having a breakthrough season for the Bulldogs as he’s averaging career highs in both points (15.6) and rebounds (8.6). Forwards Matt Howard and Willie Veasley are contributing 22.6 points and almost 10 boards per game combined, and have played outstanding defense all season long. This squad is more than just a good mid-major team, and has the ability to make a run in the NCAA tournament. Tuesday night’s clash may be more closely contested than the 2 previous contests between these teams as Butler will get in to the tourney even if they don’s win. Wright St on the other hand will need to win the conference championship to get the automatic bid for the tourney.

Related posts:

1. Butler vs. UCONN for 2011 National Championship
2. Kansas St and Butler Fight for Spot in Final Four
3. Final Four Preview: Michigan St vs. Butler
4. Butler vs. VCU in Final Four Shocker

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