Butler dominates #9 North Carolina in Maui Invitational semis, 82-71

The Butler Bulldogs keep finding ways to get it done in the Maui Invitational. It didn't matter that their opponent, the North Carolina Tar Heels, are ranked #9 in the country. An obvious underdog against highly touted UNC, the Bulldogs were out to keep the nation talking. First, a buzzer-beater to stun Marquette, 72-71. Now, total domination in an upset of #9 North Carolina in the semifinals, 82-71.

Brad Stevens and his coaching staff always seem to revert back to doing things The Butler Way. "The Butler Way demands commitment, denies selfishness, accepts reality yet seeks improvement every day. We aspire to improve ourselves and those around us. This applies to our excellent academics, supportive environment, vibrant campus and the contributions we make to our community and world."

This is exactly what Butler basketball exemplifies and they made this statement true, during last night's win over Marquette and again tonight against North Carolina.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-7 lead just over halfway through the first half, thanks in part to Rotnei Clarke and Khyle Marshall for combining for 13 of those first 21. Clarke netted 14 of his game-high 17 points in the first half and that helped Butler storm out to a commanding 35-18 halftime advantage.

North Carolina just couldn't get out of the funk they started the night in. Anything the Tar Heels brought, Butler always had something to counter right back.

Freshman guard Kellen Dunham made a better showing in his second start in a Butler uniform by pouring in 14 of his game-high 17 in the second half. He was counted upon to provide scoring in the second half when Clarke was heavily guarded and he rose up to the challenge.

Butler extended its lead to over 20 points numerous times and had its largest margin of 29 (60-31) with an Erik Fromm basket with 11:56 left. But, North Carolina was at the point where they'd had enough of being dominated. UNC outscored the Bulldogs 40-22 down the final 11:33, but still wound up losing by 11, 82-71.

North Carolina was led in scoring by P.J. Hairston off the bench with 15 points, while Marcus Paige and Reggie Bullock each scored 13 and James Michael McAdoo added 10.

Dunham and Clarke combined for 34 points 10 rebounds (17 points and 5 rebounds each), 9-of-15 on three-point attempts and 5-5 from the foul line. Center Andrew Smith dropped in 13 points, including 7-8 on free throws. Khyle Marshall added a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Chase Stigall contributed 9, while Erik Fromm had 7 and Roosevelt Jones 6.

Butler (3-1) is a completely different squad than when they were put in their place one week ago at Xavier, 62-47. The Bulldogs will play for a title against Illinois (5-0) in Wednesday night's Maui Invitational championship game at 10 p.m. ET. Illinois beat Chaminade, 84-61, in the second semifinal.