**Butler Insider: Akeem Glaspie on Butler’s Season-Opening Win Over IU Indy**
Butler improved to 2-0 on the season with a commanding 112-80 victory over IU Indianapolis. Michael Ajayi led the Dawgs with 11 points and 14 rebounds, marking his second double-double in as many games since transferring from Gonzaga. Jalen Jackson contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Here’s a breakdown of what stood out, what needs improvement, and what this win means for Butler moving forward.
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### What I Liked in Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy
IU Indy is known for their frenetic pace, pushing the tempo relentlessly and applying full-court pressure after made baskets. Butler navigated the press effectively, often finding open looks on the secondary break. A highlight came when Azavier “Stink” Robinson hit a jumper in transition, breaking the press in the first half.
Jalen Jackson utilized his speed to break the press and deliver lob passes to the big men inside. Butler also introduced a clever defensive tactic by putting Drayton Jones on the inbound passer in the first half. Standing 6-foot-11, Jones used his active hands and imposing presence to disrupt IU Indy’s smaller inbounder, Micah Davis (6-foot-2), resulting in a forced turnover.
Jackson’s on-ball defense was another plus. The Fort Wayne transfer racked up four steals in the first half, including a memorable play where he snatched the ball away, dribbled between a defender’s legs to maintain possession, and finished with an easy layup. Similarly, Jackson Keith showcased his strength and length to lock down opponents on defense. Five Butler players recorded blocks in the first half, highlighting strong team rim protection.
Rebounding from guards also stood out. Jackson and Robinson grabbed six and five rebounds respectively in the first half, complementing Ajayi’s nine boards. Guards who rebound well help elevate the entire team by enabling quick outlet passes and immediate transition opportunities.
Off the bench, Yohan Traore continued to provide energy and excitement. He scored 11 points, with eight coming in the second half on explosive dunks. His ability to dribble through multiple defenders and finish with authority injected life into Butler’s second-half performance.
Jack McCaffery also impressed at the five position, especially against a smaller IU Indy frontcourt. At 6-foot-9, McCaffery displayed excellent footwork and touch around the basket, regularly finishing through contact despite his lean frame. This adds a new dimension to Butler’s frontcourt rotation beyond Ajayi and Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor.
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### What I Disliked in Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy
Butler’s fast-paced style occasionally spun out of control, particularly in the first half which featured 24 fouls and 30 free throw attempts. IU Indy resorted to fouling once Butler broke their press, but the result was an ugly game flow. Butler’s poor free-throw shooting made fouling an effective strategy for the opposition, though it’s not an exciting approach to watch.
Jackson attacked the basket well but did not receive consistent support from teammates when looking to dish. Butler’s big men struggled to finish lobs cleanly, bobbling passes and allowing IU Indy’s defense to reset. Reliable hands in the paint are a valuable asset, and currently, lob plays do not seem like a dependable part of Butler’s offense.
Despite holding a 13-point lead at halftime, Butler shot very poorly, missing eight consecutive free throws at one point and going just 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range in the first half. Missing that many free throws is difficult to excuse; Butler cannot afford to be this unreliable from the charity stripe in closer contests.
Turnovers also continued to plague Butler, losing the turnover battle for the second consecutive game. IU Indy capitalized on 17 Butler giveaways, turning them into 26 points. Reducing turnovers is critical for sustained success this season.
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### What Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy Means
Butler showed it can handle teams it is favored over — the Dawgs were heavy favorites against Southern Indiana and IU Indy, and they avoided any major hiccups. However, the performance raises as many questions as it answers regarding the team’s longer-term outlook.
Butler’s ability to beat the press should be viewed in context; IU Indy lacks the length and athleticism that higher-level opponents will bring. Slow starts and poor shooting might have derailed past Butler squads, so the team deserves credit for regrouping and closing out strongly.
Overall, this win is a positive step, but consistency in execution — especially from the free-throw line and in limiting turnovers — will be necessary for Butler to thrive against tougher competition.
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*Stay tuned for more Butler basketball insights and coverage throughout the season.*
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/butler/2025/11/08/butler-basketball-score-today-iu-indy-game-stats-likes-dislikes-points-michael-ajayi-jalen-jackson/87166843007/