Butler has started to assert itself on the offensive glass, and that has keyed a comeback in its Final Four game against VCU. The Bulldogs are on a 8-0 run to tie the score at 15 with 10:15 remaining.
Jamie Skeen, who took a hard fall going into the under-16 minute timeout, hit one of two free throws to push VCU's lead to 12-7. VCU then stifled Butler with its pressure defense, forcing a wild miss by Butler. Butler's struggles continued, as Matt Howard rushed a three-pointer on Butler's next possession, eventually leading to another three-pointer by Burgess from the right corner for a 15-7 VCU lead.
But that was when Butler started to rally. Butler got two points back with two Howard free throws, then forced a VCU turnover on its next possession. Howard then asserted his presence on Butler's next possession, carving out offensive rebound position and drawing a foul while trying to tip it in. He hit two free throws to pull Butler to within 15-11 with 12 minutes remaining. Darius Theus looked like he had a layup for VCU on the other end, but blew it at the other end, and Andrew Smith pulled Butler to within 15-13 after another offensive rebound and putback. Khyle Marshall then finished the run with -- you guessed it -- a putback layup while drawing the foul.
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.