Box Score

Butler used a late 17-3 run to post a 76-66 win over Vanderbilt in the semifinals of the Las Vegas Invitational Thursday night. Tyler Lewis led four Bulldogs in double figures with 15 points. Butler will take its 5-0 record into Friday's championship game against the winner of tonight's Arizona-Santa Clara game.
 
Andrew Chrabascz had his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kelan Martin had 14, while Kamar Baldwin posted 12 points.
 
The Bulldogs overcame a tough night from the field, shooting 40 percent from the field. After making seven of 13 three-point attempts in the first half, Butler connected on only 2-of-12 after intermission.
 
Vanderbilt adjusted its normal starting line-up and came out in zone for a majority of the contest. It took several minutes for Butler to get into a rhythm before taking an early 8-7 lead that would extend to nine at times in the first half and eventually a 41-34 halftime edge.
 
Vanderbilt fought to a 52-51 with 12:29 to play. After the teams traded baskets that gave Vanderbilt a 55-53 advantage with nine minutes to play, Butler went on the decisive 17-3 run to take a 70-58 lead with 1:33 to play in the contest. Consecutive plays at the rim by Martin and two by Baldwin fueled the momentum on both sides of the under-4 timeout.
 
Butler shot 25-of-36 from the free throw line, including a perfect 6-of-6 night from Tyler Wideman. Wideman ended the night with eight points and seven rebounds.

Payton Willis came off the bench to lead Vanderbilt with 17 points. Butler's defense limited Vanderbilt to 42-percent shooting and forced the Commodores into 16 turnovers. Butler converted those into 21 points. Vanderbilt is now 2-3 on the season.
 
Arizona and Santa Clara tipped off following Butler's game. The winner will meet the Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific, 10:30 p.m. Eastern) Friday night in Las Vegas.