INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler’s pre-conference basketball record of 11-1 is gratifying and surprising. The Bulldogs are 6-0 against the Ratings Percentage Index Top 100, only Villanova and Baylor (both 8-0) have more Top 100 victories.
But as the Bulldogs have come to learn, such a record guarantees nothing in the Big East. No. 13 Butler opens conference play Thursday against St. John’s at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, N.Y.
The Big East is the nation’s No. 1 conference, according to RPI, and No. 3 by kenpom.com and Sagarin. Big East coaches put their own spin on it this week:
>> Chris Holtmann, Butler: “We all know what’s coming.