Butler Uses Big Second Half To Pull Away From UTEP, 77-59

Gordon Hayward sank 9-of-11 free throws on his way to 13 points, and Matt Howard added 11 points for the Bulldogs (29-4), who are in the tourney for the fourth consecutive year. Butler lost to LSU in the first round last year, but dominated the second half Thursday to take the victory and move into the second round in the West Region.

The Bulldogs will next face 13th-seeded Murray State, which upset Vanderbilt on a buzzer-beater earlier Thursday.