Temple 75, Minnesota 70

Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Minnesota’s stingy defense. The Owls (10 for 22) were the second opponent to hit double-digit three-pointers against Minnesota.

“With this group of seniors, this is what we talked about four years ago when we recruited them” said Krystkowiak. Through two games, the Bears have 15 assists and 28 turnovers. “I hope that’s a sign of things to come for us”.

Maybe, but this much is inarguable: Butler has started the season in a full-speed sprint on offense. The 6-foot-4 guard made 6 of 12 shots and 8 of 10 free throws to go with seven rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes. Aaron Ross added 10 points off the bench on 4-for-5 shooting….

“We’re learning more about our team and who’s going to step up and at what time”, Dunphy said.

Devaugntah Williams scored 13 points to lead the Red Raiders, who shot 39 percent. They didn’t need a big day from preseason all-Big East picks Kellen Dunham and Roosevelt Jones, instead finishing with plenty of balance behind Martin and Chrabascz.

Talented 6-9 sophomore Obi Enechionyia missed the opener with an ankle injury and is questionable for Thursday.ABOUT MINNESOTA (2-0): Pitino will expect a lot from his starting backcourt with sophomore returnee Nate Mason (11.5 points, 5.5 assists) and senior Carlos Morris (8.5 points), while freshman guard Kevin Dorsey (nine points, four assists) should make an impact.

The Bears, who trailed by 17 at the half, sent ORU to the free-throw line 32 times and committed 17 turnovers.

Down, 58-56, Coleman tied the game with two free throws, and a minute later, Bond’s offensive rebound and basket gave Temple a 60-58 advantage.

Missouri State finished the contest 20-for-59 (.339) from the field but just 2-of-15 (.133) from bonus distance and 17-for-30 (.567) at the charity stripe with 11 turnovers.

Mississippi State’s trip to Puerto Rico didn’t start off as planned, losing 105-79 to Miami. The Butler Bulldogs have scored 237 points in their first two games and are also playing that above-average defense the program has been known for. Lewis had to spend all of last season after transferring from North Carolina State, and he is making up for lost time. The Owls got by Minnesota in their opener 75-70. “It’s unbelievable to play with him on the court”.

Missouri State went 22 for 54 from the field – The Citadel attempted 47 3-pointers alone – and didn’t have a single starter in double figures. “I talked to both guys after the game…I was disappointed in the way we finished the game with both of them in, because in my opinion if we didn’t have the performance from either one of them we would not have been in the winner’s circle”.

Butler advanced to play Temple in the second round Friday.