A career-high 17 points from senior Austin Etherington and a season-high 13 three-pointers catapulted Butler to an 88-75 win over Creighton Tuesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Etherington was one of five Bulldogs in double figures as Butler improves to 7-7 in BIG EAST play and 18-8 overall.

Etherington had 14 points in the second half, sparking a Butler offense that scored at least 80 points for the fourth time in its last five games. Etherington made five of his six attempts, including four three-pointers and a thunderous left-handed dunk. His previous career-high was 11 points, set in his first game as a Butler Bulldog (against Maine on Nov. 15, 2014).

"I'm really proud of this effort," said coach Chris Holtmann. "Our guys responded after a really bad showing on Saturday (against Xavier). I'm really pleased for Austin. He's had really good energy off the bench for us these last few months. His leadership behind the scenes has been critical. Whether it's a minute or 20 minutes a game, he just wants to win."

Kelan Martin had 15 first-half points, including four three-pointers to stake Butler to a 36-29 halftime advantage. The Bulldogs would never relinquish the second-half lead, but Creighton pulled within four as late as 9:16 to play. A Roosevelt Jones three-point play and Etherington's dunk sandwiched around a Bluejays basket pushed the advantage back to seven at 65-58. Five minutes later, the lead had grown to 15 at 81-66 with 2:45 to play.

Kellen Dunham had 16 points and a career-high six assists. He moved into fourth place on Butler's career scoring list, passing A.J. Graves. He now has 1,822 points. Jones had 12 points and six assists. Martin finished the night with 21 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Tyler Wideman's 10 points gave Butler five players in double figures for the seventh time this season.

Butler committed only six turnovers on the evening and held a slight 38-37 advantage on the boards. The Bulldogs assisted on 20 of their 28 field goals.

Creighton (17-10, 8-6 BIG EAST) shot 42 percent and was led by Maurice Watson Jr. with 22 points. 

Butler travels to top-ranked Villanova Saturday. The 2:30 p.m. game will be broadcast nationally on FOX.