Wright State’s prayer for a victory over two time defending National finalist Butler went unanswered on Friday night at the Nutter Center, as the Raiders (8-9, 3-2) fell 63-62 on a missed shot at the buzzer.
“I thought [the shot] was good,” said Wright State’s Julius Mays of his running three-point attempt. “I thought it was going to stay in but it rimmed out.”
Mays, who finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds, said he was told by Billy Donolon in the timeout to take two dribbles, but thought there was a chance for a better shot with an added step, so he took the chance.
Throughout the game, neither team led by more than four and turnovers were abound. Butler, who committed 21 turnovers, was forced to spend an average of 29 seconds per their possessions through the first media timeout.
Wright State had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1:2 on the night, committing 18 giveaways with 9 dimes.
Leading the Bulldogs was center Andrew Smith, who scored 19 on 8-12 shooting. Smith hit two clutch three point shots with under two minutes to go. Ronald Nored finished with 11 points for Brad Stevens’ squad and missed a free throw intentionally with 2.7 seconds to go.
“To me, it’s a no-brainer to miss that,” said Butler head coach Stevens. “Just don’t foul on the rebound. If they get it, they get it.”
As far as Mays was concerned, the coach said he was very impressed by the junior especially having known him for a long time.
“He’s on my short list,” Stevens said of Mays’ consideration for the Horizon League Player of the Year award. “The season still has a lot of games left but things like that will sort themselves out in the end.”
Billy Donolon’s squad struggled with fouls, as did Butler, committing 22 and 20 respectively. However, Wright State’s 40.0% shooting from three-point range was a major part in their ability to stay in the game.
“Butler finds a way to win,” said Donolon, now 1-2 against the Horizon League rival. “I was proud of the way our kids played out there, but the bottom line is they finished plays at the rim; we did not.”
With 56.5% shooting efficiency, Butler scored 30 points in the paint while the Raiders were held to just 20. As it is right now, the Raiders still sit atop the upper part of the Horizon League standings. They’ll have a chance to regain composure against Valparaiso on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Nutter Center.
“Like I told my team in the locker room, we’re not all of a sudden a terrible team because we lost by one. Yes, I’m disappointed, but the big key is how we bounce back on Sunday.”
