Butler to face North Dakota State with major tests looming

Field Level Media|published: Mon 9th December, 17:12 2024

Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) rushes up the court Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during the game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Butler Bulldogs defeated the Missouri State Bears, 72-65.

After its six-game winning streak came to an end over the weekend, Butler is set to play host to North Dakota State on Tuesday night in Indianapolis.

The Bulldogs (7-2) are coming off a 79-51 road loss to then-No. 17 Houston after scoring 18 points in the first half against the defensive-minded Cougars, then watching their opponent score 51 points in the second half.

Patrick McCaffery and Augusto Cassia each scored 11 to lead Butler, who shot just 28.3 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from 3-point range.

"It wasn't like a crazy, wild environment. They just took us out of what we wanted to do," Butler coach Thad Matta said to the Indianapolis Star after the game. "We just couldn't find our rhythm offensively. It just started to snowball, then it became contagious for them guys making shots."

Tuesday's game gives Butler a chance to prepare for the rough road ahead, with games against No. 20 Wisconsin, No. 6 Marquette and No. 18 UConn all in succession over an eight-day span starting Saturday.

North Dakota State (7-4) comes in riding a four-game win streak, most recently taking down Northern Colorado at home 82-70 on Saturday.

Jacksen Moni led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds, while five other Bison players scored in double figures, including Brennan Watkins' 11 points and seven boards.

"We have the capabilities to do something special but we just have to understand each and every moment," Bison coach David Richman said. "It's pretty evident with Jacksen out there, we're a pretty good basketball team."

Jacari White leads NDSU with 17.0 points per game, followed by Moni's 16.0.

Jahmyl Telfort leads Butler with 16.3 points and three assists per game. He was limited to just four points on 1-of-5 shooting against Houston, along with five turnovers.

It will be the first ever matchup between the two programs. North Dakota State is familiar with the Big East, however, playing Creighton (three times) as well as Marquette and Xavier since 2016.

--Field Level Media

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