Butler escapes in overtime – headed back to the Final Four

The Butler Bulldogs refuse to let another special season end. In a thrilling fashion, the Bulldogs squeezed passed the Florida Gators 74-71 in overtime to return to the Final Four, this time in Houston.

Led by Coach Brad Stevens, the Bulldogs were able to take down the Gators in an extra period, where they were previously 0-3 in overtime on the season.

The Dawgs certainly earned their way back to the Final Four, having to beat the 9, 1, 4, and 2 seeds. That is arguably the toughest road a team could take.

Coming into the game I had no doubt Butler could pull off yet another big win. They’ve done it before and will continue to do so with Stevens as their coach. What this group has done is remarkable, considering the majority of division one basketball players won’t even make the NCAA Tournament. And now here’s Butler with another chance for a NCAA title.

This run has been thrilling, even more so the last two games with Gus Johnson and Uncle Reggie Miller on the call. The law of Gus sees that every game be close and overtime is always possible. The way things were going, big moments back and forth, nobody was going to stop Gus Johnson…he was in his element.

One can’t say enough about Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. Those two stars are too much fun to watch. The pair are showing  teams around the country how it’s done. It’s about the team, philosophy and culture. A lot of teams would have backed down when the Bulldogs lost four of five in late January. Instead, they responded and have won 13 straight.

Lucky 13.

Mack led Butler with 27 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Howard tallied 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Free throws were a pivotal problem that kept Butler behind Florida most of the game. They shot just 63%, connecting on 17 of 27 compared to the Gators 18 of 22.

Tonight, two big freshman got involved and took advantage of their playing time. Chrishawn Hopkins hit a big three late in the game. He didn’t get any time in 16 games this season. Khyle Marshall was in double-figures scoring 10 points in his 21 crucial minutes of time.

Struggling at times, the Bulldogs hung around like they always do. It was that basketball fans will long remember because of the tense moments as both teams went blow for blow.

I can’t say enough about Brad Stevens—he’s composed, poised and one heck of a coach.

His currently annual salary is $750,000 per year. After this run, Stevens will collect more than a million dollars. Every single dollar earned. Signed through 2023, you can bet Butler AD Barry Collier will add to Steven’s yearly earnings.

Gordon Hayward’s stock benefited from a strong, late season run last year. This year will be the same for junior Shelvin Mack. I believe his stock will never be higher and he has to go.

Mack was named the Southeast Regional’s Most Outstanding Player.

Also of note: after being banned from the previous two sites, Butler Blue II, the teams live mascot will travel to Houston for the Final Four.