Third LIT quarterfinal of the evening set to tip at 7:17.

End of the First: Butler 23 Fairdale 17

 

Really close to start but Butler got a few nice buckets and are dominating the boards.

 

Demetrius McReynolds has 8 points and 4 rebounds in one quarter of play for the Bears.

4:32 to play in the half: Butler 28 Fairdale 22

 

Fairdale at the line for a pair.

Halftime: Butler 32 Fairdale 28.

 

The action for Butler was pretty well dominated by two players: Jeremiah Bell and Demetrius McReynolds.

 

Bell had 9 points and 3 rebounds.

 

McReynolds had 10 points and 5 rebounds.

 

Fairdale's first half star was Cory Thomas, who had 9 points, a steal and a block.

 

Butler is dominating in the paint. They grab seemingly every rebound and its where they get their points.

Really appreciate all your updates!!!!!

As I've been reminded after looking at the official box score for Ballard and J-Town... I'm lousy at stat keeping. Take all these numbers with a big grain of salt.

Big three by Boo Crabtree and Cory Thomas' newfound ability to get to the rim at will have brought Fairdale to within a point with 4:25 to go in the third.

Butler 42 Fairdale 41, Start of 4th

 

Play has gotten a little rough here in the second half. McReynolds for Butler is trying to get his shot to fall but it hasn't. I believe he's now 0-4 from long range.

Timeout, 3:48 to go in the game... all square at 46.

 

Fairdale's fans are here in force and have been great, especially with this game now knotted up.

1:52 to go, Fairdale now leads 52-48.

 

Josh Payne has awakened after being quiet on offense most of the game. He has all six of his points in the second half within the last two minutes.

Fairdale has pushed it to 59-52 with a minute left.

 

Jeremiah Bell missed on three consecutive free throws over two possessions that really could have kept this close at the time.