Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis StarFri, November 28, 2025 at 9:10 PM UTC·3 min readINDIANAPOLIS — Coming off a strong two-game performance at the Greenbrier Tip-Off, Butler got off to a slow start against Wright State.
Playing without starting point guard Jalen Jackson, the Bulldogs found their groove after halftime, pulling away for an 94-69 win.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMichael Ajayi led Butler with 20 points and eight rebounds, ending his double-double streak to start the season at six. Finley Bizjack added 20 points.
Here's what I liked and disliked, and what the win for Butler (6-1) means.
What I liked about Butler basketball's win over Wright State
Azavier "Stink" Robinson earned the first start of his career with Jackson out and more than held his own. The former Lawrence North star notched three steals in the first half. Robinson played pesky on-ball defense, using his quick feet to stay in front of the ball handler and a well-timed poke to force a steal.
Jamie Kaiser Jr. was more aggressive when looking to score in the first half. Kaiser scored eight of his 11 points in the first. Kaiser ran the court with purpose, attacked the rim in the half court and used his length to shoot over shorter defenders. With Bizjack struggling with his shot, Kaiser had to take on a larger scoring role early.
After slow starts to the game, Ajayi and Bizjack took over in the second half. The duo combined for 31 points after halftime.
Evan Haywood showed an ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket against the Raiders. Last season, the Carmel native was mostly a jump shooter. As a sophomore, Haywood's showing more depth to his game and is one of the most improved players on the team.
Yohan Traore comes off the bench, but he is the Bulldogs' best center right now. The senior is always under control, shows soft hands when gathering entry passes and can finish with either hand at the rim. Traore finished with 16 points on 6 for 6 shooting.
What I disliked about Butler basketball's win over Wright State
Butler's free throw shooting continues to be a problem. Every game will be closer than it needs to with the Dawgs struggling from the line. Butler shot 6 for 12 (50%) from the line in the first half, and finished 15 for 26.
Without Jackson, protecting the ball was going to be an issue for Butler. Robinson did well protecting the ball with one turnover in the first half. Ajayi and Bizjack combined for five first-half turnovers.
Bizjack shot just 1 for 7 in the first half. If Butler's leading scorer can't hit a shot, the Dawgs will struggle to compete with any level of competition.
Butler needed improved guard play from its bench with Jackson out, but Yame Butler struggled as the first player in off the bench. Butler committed three fouls in 3 minutes, 43 seconds in the first half. The grad transfer was held scoreless and had one assist and one turnover. Butler's struggled forced Robinson to play an even larger role against the Raiders.
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What Butler basketball's win over Wright State means
The final score doesn't tell the story of how stressful this game was. The Bulldogs played down to their competition in the first half before showing why they were the better team in the second.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe win shows that Butler still has a long way to go before it can contend with the upper echelon of the Big East. Getting the win is nothing to scoff at, but the Dawgs nearly undid all the goodwill earned with the Greenbrier championship.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball score today vs Wright State, game stats, likes, dislikes
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