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NCAA Tournament 2017, Butler vs Winthrop: Highlights, score and recap

ByCharles Rahrig V|
Mar 16, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) looks to make a shot while Winthrop Eagles guard Xavier Cooks (12) defended during the second half of the game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) looks to make a shot while Winthrop Eagles guard Xavier Cooks (12) defended during the second half of the game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Butler Bulldogs cruised to a win over the Winthrop Eagles in the 2017 NCAA Tournament First Round on Thursday afternoon.

Just as they normally do in March, the Butler Bulldogs came to the 2017 NCAA Tournament ready to play on Thursday afternoon. The Bulldogs took full advantage of the mistakes the Winthrop Eagles made early and were able to capitalize off their mistakes.

As the Eagles struggled in quarter-court situations, Keon Johnson wasn’t able to dribble and get the looks that he is normally used to. This allowed the Bulldogs to jump out to a double-digit lead and go into the half with a comfortable lead.

Avery Woodson pushed the scoring for the Bulldogs. The senior led the team in scoring and put the heat on the Winthrop defense. The Eagles didn’t fold however. After being down 19 points, they were able to cut the deficit to seven points.

Johnson and Xavier Cooks worked to get the lead down and turn it into a game. Unfortunately for the Eagles’ chances, Butler locked down inside and let Winthrop shoot themselves out of the games. Bad look after bad look allowed Winthrop to push the score back up again.

There was a scary moment late, as Butler’s Kelan Martin began to limp. As their key piece off the bench, Martin had a nice afternoon but will be needed for the Bulldogs to be able to make the run they want to go on. Now, the Bulldogs will advance to the next round.

Next: Updated NCAA Tournament Bracket

Three Stars

Keon Johnson put up a valiant performance in a losing effort on Thursday. The guard finished with 17 points and showed off the heart he has playing with all season. In his team’s first appearance since 2010, Johnson played his hardest.

Kelan Martin had a huge day off the bench for Butler. With 10 points and 8 rebounds, Martin controlled the paint well and was just too much for the Eagles to handle down low. Hopefully, his injury is nothing major.

Avery Woodson is the player of this game. With 18 points on the day, he led Butler in scoring and pushed the pace offensively. His scoring will continue to be needed if the Bulldogs are going to make a deep run into the tournament.

Full Highlights

What’s Next?

Butler will move onto the next round. They will face the winner of Middle Tennessee State and Minnesota for a right to advance to the Sweet 16.

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