Early Butler Burst Dooms Tigers

After a quick Missouri three opened the game, Butler went on a 15-2 run and never looked back, collecting a 63-52 win at Sprint Center in Kansas City Monday night. The Bulldog advantage ballooned to 18 by the 12-minute mark before the Tigers battled back to trim it to 38-26 at the break. Mizzou opened the second half with a quick 6-2 spurt in the first three minutes to trim the deficit to eight, but could get no closer as the Bulldogs kept the Tigers at arm’s length before closing out the 11-point win. After the game, coach Cuonzo Martin said his squad just couldn’t get over the hump created by Butler’s hot start.

The Bulldogs collected six offensive rebounds in the second half to help keep Mizzou at bay. Dru Smith scored a game-high 19 to lead the way, with Xavier Pinson adding 10. Mitchell Smith had a team-best four rebounds, while Mark Smith had four assissts.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Tigers as they get set to face former Big 8 and 12 foe Oklahoma tonight (Tuesday). Tip-off is set for 6 pm, with pregame coverage from the Tiger Radio Network starting on 99.9 The Captain at 5:30.