The Taylor University men’s basketball team will face its second NCAA Div. I opponent this season when the Trojans travel to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse Saturday to take on Butler University at 2 p.m. in an exhibition game.
The Bulldogs return all five starters from the 2008-09 squad that finished 26-6 and made an appearance in the NCAA national tournament. The reigning Horizon League regular season champions are ranked No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Top 25 preseason poll.
The matchup with Butler comes just eight days after the Trojans opened the preseason against Ohio University, losing 76-40. Taylor opened the regular season portion of its schedule on Tuesday with a 69-43 win over Miami University Hamilton.
Head coach Paul Patterson acknowledges the daunting task of playing two NCAA Division I opponents but is interested in the long-term benefits of the matchups.
“We know these games will demand a lot from our players,” he said. “We feel like the pace and intensity of the games and the experience will go a long way in helping our young guys adjust to college basketball.”
The doors to Hinkle Fieldhouse will open at 12:30 Saturday.
A live radio broadcast of the game vs. Butler will be available on WXNT-AM 1430 in Indianapolis, WIFE-AM 1580 in Connersville, and WIFE-FM 94-3 in Rushville. Fans can also follow the action at the links below via the Internet.
Links: Live Audio <<a href=”http://www.butlersports.com/links/yra7ia”>http://www.butlersports.com/links/yra7ia> | Live Stats <<a href=”http://www.butlersports.com/links/zrywza”>http://www.butlersports.com/links/zrywza> | Twitter Updates <<a href=”http://www.twitter.com/taylortrojans”>http://www.twitter.com/taylortrojans>
