Butler Debuts as CACC Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week
New Haven. Conn. - (11/12/2018) – Chestnut Hill College went 1-1 in their opening weekend at Pace University’s Conference Challenge thanks in large part to freshman forward Keyon Butler (Chester, Pa.), who earned the initial Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week award of the season. Butler averaged 19.0 points-per-game (PPG) and 8.5 rebounds-per-game (RPG) in contests versus the hosting Setters (W, 87-77 on November 10) and Adelphi University (L, 96-87 on November 11).
Chestnut Hill College (1-1) spread the ball around in the season opener, the collaborative effort saw an impressive second half effort from the Scarlet and Gold that placed four Griffins score in double figures. In a low-scoring first half, Chestnut Hill College only trailed Pace University (0-1) by four points, 32-28, despite struggling from the field (9-of-36, .250). The latter frame was a different story as the Griffins united for 59 points and a .714 (20-of-28) field goal percentage that left Pace University behind in an 87-77 final. Junior guard Billy Miller VI (Pine Hill, N.J.) headlined with 19 points, hitting 6-of-10 (.600) from the floor and 5-of-5 (1.000) from the free throw line, but Butler did the dirty work with a 14-point (6-of-10, .600), 10-rebound double-double in his collegiate debut. He also recorded a pair of assists.
Butler and senior guard Cartier Talford (Reading, Pa.) were the go-to guys on day two of the Conference Challenge, pacing Chestnut Hill College in an unfortunate 96-87 loss to Adelphi University (2-0). A strong long range effort (15-of-37, .405) and a 39-29 rebounding margin allowed the Panthers to build a 14-point, 56-42 (16:52), advantage early in the second half. But with better overall shooting (.525-.508 FG%), ball control (15-12 turnovers), and the leadership of Butler and Talford, Chestnut Hill College was able to close the gap to just two points, 72-70, with 8:31 remaining and as late as 2:58 (87-85). Unfortunately, the Griffins were never able to complete the comeback. On top of his 24 points (9-fo-13, .692 FG/6-for-8, .750 FT), Butler also logged seven rebounds.
