Indiana basketball defeats Butler 96-68 in exhibition game

Indiana University basketball opened its 2026-27 exhibition season with a 96-68 victory over Butler University at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Indiana established an early lead behind a strong performance from guard Markus Burton, a transfer from Notre Dame, who scored 11 of the team’s first 13 points. While Butler managed to narrow the margin to 54-53 in the second half, the Hoosiers responded with a decisive run. Indiana utilized a 14-1 scoring surge to extend their advantage, eventually securing a 24-point cushion late in the game.

The matchup featured Butler under the direction of first-year head coach Ronald Nored, who previously spent 11 seasons in the NBA.