Bulldogs Look To Take Bite Out Of Irish!
Thursday, November 16th 2006 (Bob Acton)

Two in-state schools will meet in the opening game of the NIT Pre-Season Classic tonight and America’s most popular online sportsbook, SuperBook.com, has installed Notre Dame as a -3 point pick.

Their opponent will be the Butler Bulldogs who enter this tilt off an impressive 77-37 road win at Tulane. Butler hails from the Horizon League and they were 20-13 last season. The Bulldogs benefit from 18 games in Indianapolis, 15 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Their G-men -- A.J. Graves (13.4 ppg) and Mike Green -- should be as good as any backcourt in the league.

The athleticism of Green, a transfer from Towson State, and freshman Willie Veasley will strengthen defense. Senior forward Brandon Crone (9.8 ppg) is from the bulldog mold of Mike Marshall and Brandon Miller. IPFW transfer Pete Campbell is 3-point shooter.

The Bulldogs held Tulane to its lowest point total in more than half a century, while handing the Green Wave a 40-point loss. Butler led by 15 (23-8) points midway through the first half and stretched that margin to 24 (43-19) by halftime.

The lead grew to as many as 45 (69-24) with seven minutes remaining in the game. Four Butler players scored in double-figures, led by senior Brandon Crone who scored all 18 of his points in the first half. Eight of the 11 players who saw action for the Bulldogs scored in the game.

For the first time in the Mike Brey era, expectations around the Irish are modest this year. Many believe that if the team hasn't reached the NCAA Tournament in three years with the likes of Chris Thomas, Torin Francis, and Chris Quinn leading the way, there's no reason to expect better now that all of the above are gone.

Notre Dame has good size on the interior with a great shooter in Colin Falls and an athletic swingman in Russell Carter. If they take care of the basketball, the Irish should be able to put up points.

Notre Dame unveiled a new look Friday night and it looked good.

Rob Kurz, Zach Hillesland and Luke Harangody gave the host Irish some quickness offensively and Notre Dame was much more active on the defensive end. The combination led to an easy 92-49 victory over IPFW in both teams' season opener.

This is a neutral game site and will be played at the Conseco Fieldhouse and SuperBook is offering a total of 135 on the game. It must be noted that both schools have covered the over 75% of the time on neutral courts!

Bob Acton


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