Butler has slowly rallied in the first half of its FInal Four game against VCU, and it now leads 34-28 at halftime. The Bulldogs closed the half on a 12-4 run after trailing by as many as eight points early on in the half.
VCU Vs. Butler, 2011 Final Four: Bulldogs Hammering Rams Inside, Lead At Half
Butler started to assert control of the game right after the under-four minute timeout, getting two free throws from Shelvin Mack, a layup from Khyle Marshall and another free throw from Matt Howard after he stole the inbounds pass. Two more Howard free throws pushed the lead back up to 32-28, and another offensive rebound for Howard led to a putback and a 34-28 lead that it held into halftime.
Shelvin Mack has 13 points to lead Butler, but it’s been Butler’s eight offensive rebounds that have been the key in the first half. Jamie Skeen leads VCU with 12 points.
Foul trouble has been an issue for VCU. D.J. Haley picked up three fouls in a short span late in the first half, and Skeen, Toby Veal and Ed Nixon has two points each. Shaka Smart rolled the dice and brought Skeen back into the game late in the first half, but he did not pick up a second half.
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.
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