Butler sets first round 3-point record with 13 as they crush UTEP

Butler sets the 3-point record in a first round game with 13, including 10 in the second half, and it helped them start the second half on a 22-4 run. The University of Texas- El Paso couldn’t defend Butler, who was 23 for 50 from the field in the second half.

UTEP wasn’t nearly as good from the 3-point line. They were four of 18 from beyond the arc, and Butler contained Derick Caracter in the second half, who finished with 20 points.

The Bulldogs also only had two turnovers in the second half, which helped fuel the big run. UTEP had fewer opportunities to score and, when they fell behind, they started to abandon the paint for outside jump shots. Matt Howard played great defense in the paint in the second half for Butler, limiting Caracter to tough shots.

Butler avoids the upset with an 77-59 win over UTEP. The Bulldogs will face Murray State, the No. 13 seed, in the second round on Saturday.

Caracter looking good for UTEP early versus Butler

Butler only shoots nine of 24 from the field in the first half, and the University of Texas- El Paso took advantage of the missed shots by moving their offense up the floor. Derrick Caracter scored the final basket of the half, and he has 12 points to lead UTEP.

Butler struggled to get second chance opportunities, and it is hard to overcome poor shooting with only two offensive rebounds. UTEP has struggled from the 3-point line despite leading. They were one of nine from beyond the arc.

Butler will need to shoot the ball better, and they need to control the offensive glass if they can’t. UTEP can score in the paint with Caracter, and they can get there by collapsing the Bulldogs defense after missed shots.

UTEP needs to hit some 3-pointers, but they should get more opportunities if Caracter continues to dominate the paint. The game may come down to getting under the basket and kicking out to the outside. Caracter can hit jump shots as well, so he may force Butler to guess. UTEP 33, Butler 27.