Without starting point Jalen Jackson, Butler never led in the first half of its Friday win against Wright State, but responded with a 65-point outburst in the second half.
It appears Jackson might miss some time, but the Bulldogs (6-1) will look to ride that momentum as they get set for Eastern Michigan (5-3) on Tuesday in Indianapolis, Ind.
“We didn’t have our flow, we didn’t have our pop at the beginning,” said Butler head coach Thad Matta. “But we have to learn to do that if (Jackson) is going to be out for a little bit. We have to find our way and I thought we eventually did.”
Azavier Robinson got the start in Jackson’s place and filled in admirably. Robinson finished with nine points, a career-high four assists and made an impact defensively with three steals.
Matta wasn’t prepared to put a timeline on Jackson’s absence, though his availability for Tuesday is very much in doubt.
Especially in Jackson’s absence, the Bulldogs will lean heavily on Finley Bizjack and Michael Ajayi.
Bizjack and Ajayi both scored 20 points in the win against Wright State. Ajayi, who was last week’s Big East Player of the Week, also added a team-high eight rebounds and four assists. He has recorded a double-double in six of the first seven games this season.
Eastern Michigan comes into Tuesday’s game riding a two-game winning streak, including a 73-55 win against NJIT on Friday.
Godslove Nwabude has a career game against NJIT, filling up the stat sheet with 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and four steals. It was the first double-double of his career.
“I’m so proud. He works his tail off,” said Eastern Michigan coach Stan Heath. “He plays with such a motor and high energy. You love to see a guy like that get rewarded.”
The Eagles will continue to lean on Mohammad Habhab, who has five doubles-doubles this season. He recorded 22 points against the Highlanders
Eastern Michigan already has one big road win this season, shocking the Cincinnati Bearcats last Wednesday with a 64-56 win. They did, however, fall 87-46 to No. 6 Louisville.
“Really proud of the guys, man,” Heath said. “We’re really picking up steam right now and we want to keep momentum going.”
–Field Level Media
