Butler’s Thad Matta Prepares Dawgs for Challenging SMU Atmosphere

Butler basketball is gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare for their first road game of the season against SMU in Dallas. Coach Thad Matta is focused on evaluating his team’s performance in a hostile atmosphere, particularly the capabilities of his freshmen players.

Injury Concerns Ahead of SMU Matchup

Unfortunately, the team will be missing key players due to injuries. Freshman Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor and junior center Kevin Ndzie will not participate in the upcoming game. Oliogu-Elabor suffered an ankle injury during a pregame warmup, while Ndzie is dealing with back issues.

Freshmen Players to Watch

Despite the setbacks, Matta is eager to see how his freshmen respond to the pressure. Guard Azavier “Stink” Robinson leads the newcomers, averaging 18 minutes of playing time per game. His contributions are vital, especially as Butler navigates an intense road environment. Other freshmen, Jack McCaffery and Jackson Keith, are averaging 15 and 12 minutes, respectively, and all three have shown flashes of talent in early games.

Learning from Road Experiences

Matta acknowledges that playing on the road brings a unique set of challenges. He elaborated on how crucial it is for freshmen to adapt quickly in unfamiliar hostile settings. “You learn a lot about a freshman when you’re on the road,” Matta stated. “It’s hard to replicate that experience in practice.”

Previous Encounter with SMU

Finley Bizjack is the only player on the current roster who has faced SMU previously. Last season, Butler secured an 81-70 victory against the Mustangs, with Jahmyl Telfort delivering a standout performance by scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds. Former Butler guard Chuck Harris was a significant presence for SMU, leading them with 21 points.

Butler’s Road Performance History

Reflecting on past results, Butler only won two road games last season, finishing with a 2-9 record away from home. In contrast, they performed well at neutral sites, achieving a 4-3 record. Their last road game resulted in a discouraging 28-point defeat at Houston, illustrating the urgency for improvement.

Preparedness and Competition

According to Bizjack, rigorous practice sessions have been crucial in preparing for the upcoming challenge. He expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “I feel like every day is like going to war,” emphasizing that practices have been much tougher than actual games.

• Upcoming Opponent: SMU
• Date: Saturday
• Key Injuries:
  • Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor (ankle)
  • Kevin Ndzie (back)
  • Jalen Jackson (questionable, ankle)
• Last Season’s Road Record: 2-9
• Previous SMU Game: Won 81-70

As the Dawgs prepare for this pivotal matchup against SMU, maintaining focus and executing their game plan will be essential for success. Coach Matta and the team remain optimistic about rising to the occasion in a challenging environment.