INDIANAPOLIS – Bryce Golden scored 20 points and Aaron Thompson added 14 points and 10 assists, helping cold-shooting Butler defeat Eastern Illinois 66-54 in college basketball Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Chuck Harris, who scored 26 points in Butler’s overtime win Tuesday at Oklahoma, had two on 1-of-8 shooting.
Given that Eastern Illinois was a 21-5.point underdog and close to last (358th) nationally in three separate computer rankings, it was an uninspiring game by the Bulldogs (7-3). Butler led 20-16 late in the first half. Eastern Illinois (2-9) has not beaten a Division I opponent.
Three reasons Butler won:
Talent wins out
As poorly as the Bulldogs played, especially on offense, there was no way the Panthers were going to win.