Butler Is Going Home, but Still Playing Basketball

We have heard the comparisons by now, the Bulldogs being the college version of the classic High School Indiana featured in the film Hoosiers. The irony is augmented by the fact that Butler plays its home games at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the movie was filmed during the championship game.

Whether or not Brad Stevens is comparable to Norman Dale is one thing, but one thing is for certain: Brad is an amazing coach, and Butler is for real.

People around here know about the "Butler way" and support the team, but nationwide the team doesn't really get the exposure it should.

Part of the reason for this might be that they play in the Horizon League, but looking at their roster going into the NCAA Tournament this year, they probably have the best team in the state of Indiana.

Much will be made about the Bulldogs playing at home here in Indianapolis, but the real story is the school getting to the Final Four for the first time ever.

With so much being made of the power conferences, Butler has just stuck to its strengths and played together as a team. That philosophy has led them on this incredible run that has now stretched to 24 consecutive wins, dating back to Dec. 22, 2009.

Butler is obviously led by a few players, such as Matt Howard, Gordon Hayward, and Shelvin Mack, but the defensive pressure by the guards in this tournament has really helped them get to where they are now.

The smothering defense played on Rautins in the Syracuse game, followed by the defense played on Kansas State's two leading scorers today were really the keys to the Bulldogs' wins.

Denis Clement and Jacob Pullen were basically held scoreless in the first half of the game, as Butler went into haftime with a seven-point lead.

Even though they combined for 32 points in the game, it was not enough, as they couldn't stop Butler during key points of the game when it mattered most.

Butler's defensive play is the main reason they are going back home as winners, and why they are in their first Final Four in school history.

The timing is perfect.

Come on home, Butler. Lucas Oil Stadium is waiting on you.