Box Score

Butler meant business when it had to. Nearly upset by the Titans earlier in the season, the 11th-ranked Bulldogs hung on in crunch time to hold off another valiant Detroit bid, 66-61, on Thursday night in Calihan Hall.

Led by freshman Gordon Hayward's 22 points, the Bulldogs pushed the record to 20-2 and grabbed a one-game lead over Green Bay in the Horizon League standings at 11-1. The Titans, who suffered a narrow four-point loss at Butler last month, dropped to 6-16 (1-11 HL).

Another freshman, Shelvin Mack, backed up Hayward with 14 points. Guard Woody Payne led Detroit with 21, while Chris Hayes, making just his fifth start of the year, chipped in a season-high 18 and a team-best five rebounds. Eugene Blue was a third Titan in double figures with 10 markers.

Butler never trailed, but the Titans made it difficult on the league leaders after BU had grabbed a 35-25 halftime lead and pushed it to a 13-point margin, 42-29, with 14:39 left.

Sparked by Payne, Detroit went on a 15-3 tear, closing the gap to one point, 45-44, with 7:22 left after Payne cashed in two free throw tries. Hayward immediately ignited a 7-1 Butler response with a trey at the 6:55 mark and, after Ronald Nored ended the run with a layup five minutes from the finish, Detroit never drew closer than four the rest of the night.

Both teams shot well, Butler hitting at a .538 clip and Detroit at .480. Led by Matt Howard's eight boards, Butler outrebounded the Titans, 27-18.

The Titans return to action on Saturday afternoon when Valparaiso visits Calihan Hall (4:05 p.m.).