Butler and visiting Austin Peay will both seek a 2-0 start when they square off Friday night in Indianapolis.
The Bulldogs beat Missouri State 72-65 behind 29 points from Jahmyl Telfort, who is in his second year at Butler after transferring from Northeastern.
He’s one of seven transfers on the roster, with Pierre Brooks II out of Michigan State and Patrick McCaffery from Iowa being among the notable players who have joined the program.
Matta said the transfers who have come in while he’s been Butler’s coach have one thing in common.
“Those guys have something to prove,” Matta told WTHR. “They are all intelligent and are veterans, and they understand this is a team game.”
Brooks scored 13 points and McCaffrey added 11 for a Butler team hoping to be a surprise contender in the Big East.
Matta, who is in Year 3 in his second stint at his alma mater, said it was important to find players who fit Butler’s program.
“We wanted to establish a culture, get guys in here that fit my coaching style,” Matta said. “I think we’re going to play a more exciting brand of basketball this year.”
Austin Peay is coming off a 95-75 home win over Division II Union on Monday night in its season opener.
Five players scored in double figures as the Governors thrived thanks to a balanced attack. Isaac Haney led the way with 19 points and Tekao Carpenter knocked down all five of his 3-point attempts, finishing with 15 points.
Carpenter brings plenty of potential as he joins Austin Peay after earning NJCAA All-American third team honors last year.
Coach Corey Gipson is in his second year after guiding his alma mater to 19 wins and an ASUN championship game appearance a season ago.
Facing Butler on the road will be a tall order for the Governors. The Bulldogs are 78-3 in their last 81 home games against nonconference opponents.
–Field Level Media
