INDIANAPOLIS – Skeptics who wondered what Butler would do without 3-point shooters were validated. But the Bulldogs persevered and used a prolific backcourt to beat Western Michigan 66-62 in college basketball Wednesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Butler extended two streaks: 59 straight nonleague home victories (longest active streak in the nation) and 22 straight home-opening wins.
Senior guards Aaron Thompson and Jair Bolden scored 21 and 16 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs. It was a career high for Thompson, who was 6-of-9 from the field and 8-of-11 on free throws. He made his only 3-point attempt, equaling his total for all of last season.