Butler holds on for close win against Northwestern
- Butler University built a 15-point lead in the game but faced a comeback from Northwestern.
- Jahmyl Telfort excelled with 23 points as Butler was able to fend off Northwestern's late-game push.
- Butler secured a victory over Northwestern with a final score of 71-69, extending their winning streak against the Wildcats.
In Tempe, Arizona, on Thursday night, Butler University faced off against Northwestern in a thrilling college basketball matchup at the Arizona Tip-Off. The Bulldogs had established a significant advantage early on, leading by as much as 15 points. Strong performances from Jahmyl Telfort, who scored 23 points, and Andre Screen, who contributed with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, bolstered Butler's efforts. However, Northwestern, showing resilience, managed to come back and take a narrow 53-52 lead in the second half. Ty Berry's sharp shooting and critical layup were crucial in this offensive surge. Nevertheless, Butler regained momentum through key plays, including Telfort's free throws and a timely three-pointer from Finley Bizjack, ensuring they maintained the lead as the game drew to a close. In the final moments, Patrick McCaffrey's free throws helped solidify Butler's victory amid Northwestern's last-minute efforts. This game marks Butler's seventh straight win over Northwestern, showcasing their dominance in this rivalry. Notably, Northwestern struggled significantly in the first half, managing just 31% shooting, which critically undermined their overall performance in contrast to Butler's more efficient play.