INDIANAPOLIS – Eastern Illinois made a quick run late in the first half to cut a double-digit Butler lead to 20-16. The Bulldogs were able to keep the Panthers at a distance finishing with a 66-54 win on Saturday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
EIU fell to 2-9 on the season. Butler improved to 7-3.
The Bulldogs took advantage of some cold Panthers shooting as they pulled out to a 20-5 lead. EIU would cut the lead down to 20-16 going on an 11-0 run with newcomers
Paul Bizimana and
Dan Luers both picking up a pair of baskets in the run.
Jair Bolden ended the EIU run with 3:31 left in the half and Butler quickly pushed the lead out to nine points on a three point play by Aaron Thompson. Thompson finished with a double-double for Butler with 14 points and ten assists.
Butler led 32-21 at the half closing with a 7-0 run. The Bulldogs then opened the second half with a 7-0 run to lead 39-21 with 18:26 left in the game.
Luers had a 3-pointer at the 17:26 mark to end the Butler run. Luers was one of three EIU players in double figures finishing with 11 points. His basket with 9:31 left in the game cut the Butler lead back to single digits at 47-38.
Bryce Golden answered with the first of two 3-pointers as the Bulldogs jumped back out to a 55-38 advantage. Golden led all scorers with 20 points.
CJ Lane scored 12 points off the bench for EIU finishing with 12 points. Bizimana scored 10.