[4] Analyst Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports explained "Butler loses a lot of talent from last season, but it's still tough to choose against the Bulldogs.

A steal and layup by Seth Bachand and a conventional three-point play by Trent Zomer cut the margin to 50–46 with 2:56 left.

Butler's Andrew Smith, who led all scorers with 19 points missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw situation with 0:38 left, setting up the final play.

Smith, who also led Butler with 19 points in a 53–50 loss to Northern State three days earlier, hit seven of nine shots in his brief stint, including one of two from beyond the three-point arc.

The Aces' Ned Cox missed a jump shot with 0:07 remaining and there was a loose ball scramble for the rebound.

Butler's Emerson Kampen then threw a full-court pass to center Andrew Smith, who caught the ball and laid it in at the buzzer for an apparent game-winning shot.

The game officials huddled, and claimed a foul was called before the shot, sending Smith to the free throw line with 0:00.2 left.

Smith (below), a 6–11 center, led both teams with 16 points, hitting five of eight shots from the field and five of seven from the free throw line.

7 Louisville Past Butler Seniors Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith combined for 32 points and sparked a late second half run that lifted No.