Butler leveled its BIG EAST record at 4-4 and improved to 14-7 overall with a 79-67 win at DePaul Saturday afternoon in Chicago at the new Wintrust Arena. Kelan Martin led the Bulldogs with 24 points.

Butler's defense limited the Blue Demons to 35-percent shooting.

"I'm proud of our resilience," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "Winning in this league is tough, and winning on the road is even tougher. We knew they would make a run at us, and they did. We did a better job at finishing the game today, showing some grit down the stretch."

Jordan also mentioned the large contingent of Butler fans who were at the game, and the spark they provided throughout the game.

A pair of runs in the first half gave Butler a heavy advantage. A 14-0 spurt gave Butler an 18-7 lead with 10:13 to play in the half. The Bulldogs closed the half with a 9-0 run to take a 41-19 halftime lead. In the opening 20 minutes, Butler shot 60 percent (compared to only 28 percent for the Blue Demons). Fifteen of Martin's points came in the first half.

Both teams struggled from the field early in the second half, but the Bulldogs' lead always remained in double figures and the team utilized a 21-of-25 afternoon at the free throw line to secure the win.

Martin hit five three-pointers as part of his 7-of-15 performance. He added four rebounds and four assists. Kamar Baldwin had 18 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Baldwin went 5-of-6 from the field and hit all eight of his free throw attempts.

Aaron Thompson posted a career-high eight assists. Butler had seven players score at least six points. The Bulldogs shot 51 percent from the field.

Max Strus had 27 points for DePaul (8-11, 1-6 BIG EAST). He went 8-of-17 from the field. The remaining Blue Demons combined for 13 made field goals.

The Bulldogs have the week off before hosting St. John's Saturday (Jan. 27) at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tickets are still available for the 2:30 p.m. tip.