Butler Brew 2/20: The Big 5-0-0!

Butler's Own Thad Matta Collects Career Win No. 500

February 20, 2026

The Official Newsletter for Butler Athletics

Good Morning, Butler Fam. You don’t want to miss this one!

What all do we have stirring in today’s Brew? Check it out below!

🏀 The Big 5-0-0
⚪️ All White Party
🏆 Hunting Hardware
🐶 And much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 The Big 5-0-0. A career that started 26 years ago on the sidelines of Hinkle Fieldhouse reached a historic milestone on Wednesday night.

With a 93-89 victory over Georgetown, the Butler men’s hoops squad delivered the 500th career win in the legendary career of Thad Matta.

The ‘Dawgs rode a hot start to the win, jumping out to an early lead and knocking down 70-percent from the field in the opening half.

Leading the way was Finley Bizjack, who poured in 19 points and six assists, one shy of a career-high. Michael Ajayi was a monster all night, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

🔼 Back For More. Entering his fifth season in the big leagues, former Butler standout Ryan Pepiot is back the Tampa Bay Rays, looking to build on a career year.

Last season, Pepiot set career-bests in wins (11), innings (167.2), strikeouts (167) and games started (31).

The right-hander is underway at Spring Training and will visit Chicago in early April against the White Sox.

🔼 Hunting Hardware. Two days into the BIG EAST Championships in Ocala, Fla., the Butler swimming squad is off to a strong start.

Follow along as the ‘Dawgs hunt some hardware in the Sunshine State.

🤔 BUTLER TRIVIA

Who did Coach Matta’s first career coaching victory come against back in 2000 with the ‘Dawgs?

Got a guess?

Scroll down to see if you know your stuff!

📆 LOOKING AHEAD

*all times EST

Friday, February 20th
🥎 Softball vs. Detroit Mercy @ 11am EST (Bowling Green, Ky.)
⚾️ Baseball at Murray State @ 3pm EST
🎾 Men’s Tennis vs. Fordham @ 3pm
🥎 Softball at Western Kentucky @ 4pm EST
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Lake Oconee Invitational (Lake Oconee, Ga.)
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Rio Verde Invitational (Rio Verde, Ariz.)
🏊 Swimming & Diving at BIG EAST Championships

Saturday, February 21st
🥎 Softball vs. Western Michigan @ 11am EST (Bowling Green, Ky.)
🥍 Women’s Lacrosse at Kent State @ 1pm
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Xavier @ 1:30pm l TNT & truTV l Tickets
🎾 Women’s Tennis at Cincinnati @ 1:30pm
🏀 Women’s Basketball at Georgetown @ 2pm
⚾️ Baseball at Murray State @ 3pm EST
🥎 Softball vs. Detroit Mercy @ 6:30pm EST
👟 Track & Field at Alex Wilson Invitational (South Bend, Ind.)
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Lake Oconee Invitational (Lake Oconee, Ga.)
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Rio Verde Invitational (Rio Verde, Ariz.)
🏊 Swimming & Diving at BIG EAST Championships

Sunday, February 22nd
🎾 Men’s Tennis at DePaul @ 1pm EST
🥎 Softball at Western Kentucky @ 1:30pm EST
⚾️ Baseball at Murray State @ 2pm EST
🎾 Women’s Tennis at Western Kentucky @ 2:30pm EST
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Lake Oconee Invitational (Lake Oconee, Ga.)
⛳️ Women’s Golf at Rio Verde Invitational (Rio Verde, Ariz.)
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Dorado Beach Collegiate (Dorado, Puerto Rico)

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Eastern Illinois (11/18/2000 - W, 90-73)

🐶 Have a great weekend!