Mike Ellis
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No. 11 Butler capped off its first undefeated conference season, despite the stomach pains of junior Matt Howard and the absence of sophomore Gordon Hayward due to back spasms.The undefeated Horizon League season was finalized with a 74-69 victory at Valparaiso Friday night.
This accomplishment marks the Horizon League’s first undefeated season since 1995-96—when Green Bay went 16-0 in league play—as well as the first 18-0 season in conference history.
Sophomore Ronald Nored said he believes Butler’s unblemished record is quite an accomplishment.
“Obviously it’s a goal to never lose a game whether conference or not but going 18-0 was never really our focus,” Nored said. “I think we just improved every single day, and when you do that, it can take you a long way.”
Senior Willie Veasley continued his exceptional play, achieving a season-high 20 points on 4-of-6 shooting behind the arc.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the offseason working on my shot and building the confidence to take that shot,” Veasley said. “And during the season, the coaching staff has worked countless hours with me.”
Howard had 17 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Shelvin Mack added 16 points.
Led by junior Cory Johnson’s 28 points and 10 rebounds, the Crusaders (15-16, 10-8 HL) kept the game close from start to finish.
The Bulldogs (26-4, 18-0 HL) did not capture their first lead until seconds before halftime.
“[Valparaiso] is a good offensive team—the best in the league statistically,” Butler head coach Brad Stevens said. “I thought we did a pretty good job on them, but there are areas where we can improve.”
Butler seized a 40-33 lead within the second half’s first four minutes, but Valparaiso responded and took a 49-46 lead with 10:39 remaining.
However, the Bulldogs proved their superiority by going on a 19-3 run to take a 65-52 lead with five minutes remaining. Veasley led the surge with a trio three-pointers.
Butler then withstood a furious Crusader charge to hold on for a five-point victory.
Although the Crusaders fought fervently on the interior, three-point shooting ultimately proved to be the difference. Butler shot 9-of-19 from behind the arc, while Valparaiso shot just 4-of-25.
Despite poor outside shooting, tValpo was able to stay in the game due to points in the paint and second-chance opportunities.
“We really have to get people off of the glass,” Nored said. “The further down the road you go, the more things like keeping people from getting offensive rebounds comes into play.
“Those are tough plays that win games in March.”
As for Hayward’s back spasms, Stevens said his playing status is “day-to-day.”
The Bulldogs finished the regular season on an 18-game winning streak that catapulted them up the national polls. The winning streak is currently the longest in the nation.
Although the team began with a shaky 8-4 start, the experience of playing elite teams, such as No. 9 Ohio State and No. 13 Georgetown, has paid dividends during Horizon League play and could continue to reap benefits down the road during the NCAA Tournament.
However, Stevens said his team is now simply looking ahead to next week’s Horizon League Tournament.
“The semifinal game is next [on the schedule],” he said. “That’s where our focus will be.”
Last year, the Bulldogs won the regular season title but were denied the postseason tournament title by Cleveland State.
The Horizon League Tournament began Tuesday night, with CSU, UDM, Green Bay and Milwaukee moving on to Friday’s quarterfinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Butler will host the winner of the CSU-Milwaukee game in the second semifinal, which will be broadcast live on ESPNU Saturday at 8 p.m. The championship game will be played Tuesday and will be televised live on ESPN at 9 p.m.
A tournament victory would clinch an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
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