A second half that began with double digit lead changes and multiple ties has seen the Butler Bulldogs establish a seven point lead, 61-54, behind stout defense and solid glass work.
Shelvin Mack has absolutely taken over this game, scoring 23 points on five of six shooting from three point land. For one four minute stretch Mack scored 10 straight points for Butler. Bulldog big Matt Howard, despite four fouls, has added 11 points, six rebounds, two rebounds and two steals.
Jamie Skeen and Bradorrd Burgess have done their best to keep VCU in the game, scoring 34 combined points. Rams point guard and sparkplug Joey Rodriguez has struggled with just three points and six assists.
Butler has played ugly, but despite shooting just 35 percent they have dominated the glass, leading to easy buckets and second change opportunities. VCU will have to find a way to keep Butler off the boards and limit them to just one shot per possession to have a chance of pulling this rabbit out of the hat.