Butler basketball pushes UConn to the edge, but the defending champions make just enough plays

INDIANAPOLIS – Butler had a chance to take the lead late, but UConn held off the late-charging Bulldogs and handed Butler a 78-74 loss Saturday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

It is the fifth defeat in a row for Butler.

Here are three takeaways from the loss.

Dawgs show fight, can’t complete comeback against Huskies

After Wednesday’s loss to Marquette, Butler coach Thad Matta said his team needs to be more resilient. UConn led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but the Bulldogs (7-6, 0-2) never trailed.

After a shaky start to the second half, Butler played its best basketball of the season, tying the score at 63 and keeping it within two possessions for the remainder of the second half.

UConn freshman Liam McNeeley’s three-point play gave the No. 13 Huskies the lead for good with 4:18 remaining in the game. Striker Alex Karaban made crucial 3-point shots on the home stretch, helping the Huskies win.

The players certainly aren’t looking for moral victories, but for a program in the midst of a five-game losing streak, a bit of positivity is needed. The Bulldogs outplayed the reigning national champions until the end. After an ugly loss to Marquette, it was safe to wonder if Butler was the worst team in the Big East.

Playing at home helps a lot, but Saturday’s game shows there is a blueprint for continued success.

Andre Screen, role players provide sparks

With seven minutes left in the first half, Butler’s two best players, Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks II, combined for two points while shooting just 1-for-8 from the floor. Most nights, that’s a recipe for disaster. In the first few minutes of the game, it appeared Butler would go that route, but his role players brought him into the fold after the stuttering start.

Andre Screen played inspired basketball in the first half. Even when Butler’s offense couldn’t hit a field goal, Screen’s ability to attack the basket created stumbles at the free throw line and put UConn’s starting center Samson Johnson in foul trouble. For the first time all season, Screen provided excellent rim protection, blocking four shots to go along with nine points and four rebounds in the first half. The 7-1 center continued his strong play in the second half, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Kolby King and Landon Moore combined for 10 points in the first half while playing great defense. The dynamic guards are strong on the ball and can penetrate the paint. They both have a knack for being in the right place at the right time and doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. King, in particular, is a great rebounder for his size.

Telfort found its rhythm late in the first half. Brooks and guard Finley Bizjack battled on both ends of the court.

Change of (point) guard

Strong play from Moore and King makes Bizjack’s problems even more apparent. Bizjack had the worst plus/minus (-15) of any player in the first half. The sophomore struggles with his shot, he is indecisive as a playmaker and his defense leaves a lot to be desired.

King started the second half against UConn but committed three turnovers in less than five minutes. Moore was the first player to come on as a substitute in the second half. It appears that both King and Moore have overtaken Bizjack in the rotation. Moore started alongside Bizjack against Marquette, with Screen coming off the bench. Given the way Screen played against UConn, it’s hard to imagine his minutes being cut at all. The most logical move would be to start Moore and keep King as the energetic sixth man, followed by Bizjack. With Bizjack only shooting 28% from three, even freshman Evan Haywood’s 33% shooting from three could help the Dawgs better right now.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler Basketball vs. UConn Result: How the Bulldogs’ Surprise Offensive Failed