2nd Round Midwest Region: Cavaliers take down Bulldogs

Joe Hall, Staff Writer

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Coming off of a blowout win against number-fifteen seeded Hampton on Thursday, the number one seed out of the Midwest region, Virginia, faced the Butler Bulldogs in the second round. Butler defeated Texas Tech in the first round. Butler was looking to get back to the final four where they placed second in both 2010 and 2011.

Both teams used their own form of defense, which at times can suffocate the opposing team’s offense. The first half was a close one; Butler, came out on top, barely.  When the second half started, Virginia flipped a switch. They took control of this game quickly. The Cavaliers shot 73 percent in the 2nd half, making 14 of their first 16 shots.  Virginia would end up taking the contest 77-69. Butler coach Brad Stephens said of the game, “I think they are who they are — they’re really physical and tough… They make it difficult for you to score. They’re smart and intelligent in how they play. I’m certainly not going to put any more undue pressure on Tony or Virginia than is already there. They’ve got the No. 1 seed by their name, but I think they’re poised to have a very good tournament and we have a great appreciation for how they play.”

The Cavaliers moved on to the Sweet 16 where they will take on the winner of the Iowa State/UA-Little Rock contest.