The Game Mottas

Thad Motta has had quite a half-decade. The journey began by bringing an already-competitive Butler program to national prominence. That success parlayed into what has evolved as the best launching pad job in the country at Xavier (Pete Gillen, the late Skip Prosser and Motta). In his second season Motta took the Muskies to an Elite Eight narrow loss to Duke.

Two short years later, he pilaged his old stomping grounds, snatching Indianapolis kids Greg Oden and Mike Conley who spearheaded a National Final appearance for Ohio State as freshman.

Saturday, the journey comes full circle when the Bulldogs visit Columbus to take on the likewise unbeaten Buckeyes. Both teams have been solid early; Ohio St, spectacular in defeating Miami (FL) and Notre Dame last week. Butler enters owning solid wins over Drake and Bradley, but clearly seeking a signature win to stockpile for Selection Sunday when they try to topple the 5-0 Buckeyes.

Both teams have been surprisingly nimble in plugging holes from graduation in 2008. Ohio State has yet to recieve significant contributions from highly touted 7-foot freshman BJ Mullens, but is getting a huge boost from guard Evan Turner (16.6 pt, 8 reb.)

Butler employes a typical balanced attack, with all five starters averaging between 7-13 ppg.


Expect a great contest - for those of you lucky enough to have the game televised! (Game is televised on the Big 10 network - DISH 439)