Butler set to battle Pittsburgh Saturday with sights set on Sweet 16

The shot was one of the first of four buzzer-beaters on Thursday to get the real games underway. Shawn Vanzant missed a shot, Andrew Smith couldn’t make his put back, but then Matt Howard was in the right place able to get the layup off with just than a second remaining. The clutch put-back sent Butler to the round of 32, meeting number one seed Pittsburgh Saturday at 7:10 p.m. on TBS.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Bulldogs. Last season, Butler knocked off top-seeded Syracuse, 63-59, to advanced to their first Sweet 16. They’ve done it before and it ‘could’ do it again.

Having won their last 10 games, Butler is on a roll at the best time during the season. This team has the experience and the leadership necessary to advance in the tournament and not be a fluke. What this team has done has been remarkable.

In the middle of the season, they lost five of six and just about everyone doubted their chance to even make the tournament field. It would certainly require wins down the stretch and probably a conference championship—and they did that.

Heading into tonight’s game against Pittsburgh, part of me says Pitt will just dominate and win by double-digits. But there is getting to be a point in me that says, “do not doubt the Bulldogs.” With this special group, they are on longer true underdogs, like it or not.

The two big keys as always will be with Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack. Howard, the senior center, has been playing to help his professional chances in addition to helping the Bulldogs. Last year he made just two three-pointers. This year he has made over 50. But it seems he is attempting too many and staying out of the lane too often. Just like the finish against Old Dominion, Howard is best inside the land, grinding things out and getting put-backs. Tonight I hope to see Howard power down low on the block and also use his passing abilities going inside-out.

Butler goes as Mack goes. It’s essential that Mack penetrates and kicks inside the lane and knocks down open jumpers. He also has to take the open shots and stay out of foul trouble. Mack isn’t extremely fast or athletic but he has the experience and skills to outplay Pittsburgh. He struggled early on against Old Dominion but was strong down the stretch to prevail.

Finally, the Butler defense must continue to be stifling. Like most teams, the Bulldogs take pride in holding their opponent to under 60 points. Well they did that against ODU and have done it in four of their last five wins.

It’s going to be a tough fight Saturday evening. If Pitt shows up to play at a high-level, they will earn the victory. But if the Panthers give Butler any chances, they will positively take advantage.