Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Indianapolis, April 6, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Having suffered a mild concussion two days prior to yesterday’s match in the national championships, it was uncertain whether Butler star Matt Howard would play in Monday night’s game against Duke Blue Devils. It was only after clearing a line of tests that Matt Howard was given permission to play. His presence in the team was felt when after a not so good start, it was Matt Howard who took his team to somewhat finish a match that certainly went down in the pages as being one of the most engrossing one in recent times.

The Butler Bulldogs would not have emerged in such a glorious avatar if their forward player would not have played the way he did in the last seven minutes of the game. Matt Howard played with four fouls during the second half of the game and was successful in converting four clutch free throws within just 2 minutes. However, Matt Howard’s last basket unfortunately failed to register a win for the his team. They lost the game, but just! Matt Howard was considerate when he said that whether they win or lose, it was always an immensely wonderful experience for him to play with his teammates.

The 6 foot 8 inches player was hurt in the match against Michigan State. Coach Brad Stevens even considered keeping him off the field in yesterday’s game. However, his participation in the game was of immense help to the team. Matt Howard has been the Horizon League player of the year in 2008-09 and is one of Butler’s best players and also its no. 3 scorer. He has played in 23 of the team’s last 37 games.