NCAA Bracket Update: Butler Punches Final Four Ticket With 74-71 Overtime Win Over Florida

The Butler Bulldogs have moved on to the Final Four in a tremendous overtime comeback victory over the Florida Gators. Butler trailed by as many as 11 points in the second half, but rallied to get a 74-71 win and, stunningly, head to the Final Four for the second consecutive season.

The Bulldogs led 72-71 with 29.2 seconds left, and the Gators had the ball. Kenny Boynton had a chance to be the hero, but his deep three-pointer with 14 seconds left fell short. There was a scramble on the rebound, but Butler had the possession arrow and got the ball back. The Gators had one last chance after Shelvin Mack hit two free throws, but Erving Walker missed a deep three-pointer, and the Bulldogs were able to get the rebound and throw the ball downcourt to run out the clock.

Walker made Gus Johnson go crazy by hitting a three-pointer to give Florida the lead with 1:30 left, but just a few seconds later, Mack splashed a three-pointer of his own at the top of the key, giving Butler a 72-70 lead. Walker was fouled, but hit just one of two free throws. The Gators, however, played great defense, forcing an errant Mack shot and eventually grabbing the rebound with 29.2 seconds remaining.

Butler led by three points midway through overtime, but Kenny Boynton tied the game by nailing a three-pointer off a great pass from Erving Walker to tie the game at 67 with two minutes remaining. Two free throws by Ronald Nored gave Butler a 69-67 lead immediately prior to Walker’s three.

Khyle Marshall made the first big play of overtime, grabbing two offensive rebounds and scoring one while drawing the foul to give Butler a 65-62 with 3:33 remaining. Marshall was only in the game because Andrew Smith had fouled out earlier in overtime. Boynton cut the lead down to 65-64 with two free throws, but Nored pushed it back up to 67-64.

Mack led all scorers with 27 points. Vernon Macklin led Florida with 25 points, but was largely ineffective down the stretch.

More 2011 March Madness resources: Visit our NCAA Tournament hub for up-to-date news and information ... updated printable NCAA 2011 Tournament bracket ... the full NCAA Tournament schedule.