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With a .500 record, Butler still looks to remain a factor in the Horizon League.
The Butler Bulldogs (9-9, 3-3) continue searching for a consistent winning formula this season when they host the Youngstown State Penguins (9-7, 4-2) at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams are mired in the middle of the Horizon Conference after coming off losses in their last game. The Penguins were soundly beaten at Valparaiso on Friday 76-62, while the Bulldogs dug an early hole they couldn't climb out of in losing to Cleveland State, 76-69.
The recent NCAA tournament success must seem many miles in the rear-view mirror for Brad Stevens and his Butler team since they continue struggling to find a winning formula this season and will be forced to win the Horizon League conference tournament to even think about playing in late March.
Consistent offense continues to be a struggle for Butler. The Bulldogs have only one player averaging double figures with center Andrew Smith barely breaking that mark with 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The Penguins on the other hand boast a starting five that all average at least 10 points per game, led by guards Kendrick Perry (14.9 ppg) and Blake Allen (13 ppg). Butler will need to focus on defending the perimeter since Youngstown State likes to shoot it early and often from behind the arc.
Youngstown State Vs. Butler: Bulldogs Put It Together To Beat Penguins 71-55
Forgive the Hinkle Fieldhouse faithful for feeling a little uneasy early in the Butler Bulldog's Saturday afternoon matchup with the Youngstown State Penguins. When DuShawn Brooks drained a three-pointer less than two minutes into the game, Youngstown State took an early 6-2 lead and it appeared that Butler was in the process of digging themselves another early hole to fight out of in order to win.
But Khyle Marshal quickly shook that feeling in the Fieldhouse on Butler's next possession when he was fouled on a dunk and converted the traditional three-point play to ignite an 11-0 run the put the Bulldogs in charge for the remainder of the game.
After taking a 34-27 lead to the half, Butler pushed the lead to double digits then warmed up behind the arc midway through the second half to seize control of the game. Ronald Nored knocked down the first of four three-pointers by Butlers backcourt, followed by Jackson Aldridge hitting two in a row as the good shooting became contagious. A few possessions later, Chrishawn Hopkins rose up to splash another three-ball to put Butler up 20 points.
Youngstown State tried to make a late run but the Penguins were unable to get closer than nine points as Butler made nine of 12 free throws in the final three minutes to secure the win.
Andrew Smith led the way for Butler with 20 points and 6 rebounds, with Jackson Aldridge and Kameron Woods coming off the bench to add 10 points each. Woods completed the double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds.
Ashen Ward made five of nine three pointers to lead Youngstown State with 21 points.
The win moves Butler to 10-9 on the season and 4-3 in the Horizon League.
Jan 15 4:22p by Tom Lewis