Butler Goes Overtime for First League Win

Jan. 13, 2005

Butler 77, Loyola 72 (ot)


CHICAGO-Brandon Polk had career-highs of 24 points and 11 rebounds as Butler snapped a four-game losing streak with a 77-72 Horizon League victory in overtime over Loyola Thursday night.


Butler (6-7, 1-2) trailed 60-56 late in the game, but Avery Sheets hit a 3-pointer to move the Bulldogs within one point at 60-59.


Loyola's Anthony Smith hit a layup to build the Ramblers' margin back to three, but Bruce Horan hit a 3-pointer with 53 seconds left to tie the score and send the game into overtime.


Polk opened the scoring in overtime with a short jumper, but Smith tied the game with a pair of free throws. Butler then ran off the next six points, holding Loyola (3-12, 1-4) scoreless for more than three minutes and sealed the victory with nine of 10 free throws in the final minute.


Sheets scored only one point in the first half but added 16 after intermission to finish with 17 points. Horan with 11 and A.J. Graves with 10 were also in double figures for the Bulldogs.


Blake Schilb had 22 points to lead Loyola, with Smith adding a career high 18 and Tyrelle Blair scoring 15.