RALEIGH, N.C. -- Kelan Martin scored all 11 of his points in the final 8 1/2 minutes, including consecutive 3-pointers to break a tie game, to help Butler beat Texas Tech 71-61 in Thursday's first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Dawgs win! 71-61
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) March 17, 2016
No. 9 Butler closes game on 9-3 run to put away No. 8 Texas Tech, 71-61. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/qBiiXGSf02
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 17, 2016
Kellen Dunham scored 23 points to lead the Bulldogs (22-10), including a critical 3 of his own with 2:26 left as the Midwest Region's No. 9 seed finally pulled away in the final minutes. Butler shot 52 percent after halftime, using some NCAA Tournament experience to rally from an early eight-point deficit and finally push ahead midway through the second half.
Butler too strong ?? https://t.co/VyieqpTB3g
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 17, 2016
Butler Bulldogs riding on to the next round. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/SjRiBfGCDw
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) March 17, 2016
Devaugntah Williams scored 18 points to lead the eighth-seeded Red Raiders (19-13), who were making their first tournament appearance since 2007. But Texas Tech made just 2 of 9 shots to close the game as Butler began to take over in the critical moments.
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