Butler posted a 71-54 win over UC Irvine in the team's final game prior to the holidays. The win by the Bulldogs pushes their record to 9-3 on the year and is the 50^th consecutive win at Hinkle Fieldhouse over a non-conference opponent, which is the nation's second-longest streak.

Paul Jorgensen, fueled by a 5-of-7 performance from behind the arc, led the Bulldogs with 19 points and seven rebounds. Kamar Baldwin and Jordan Tucker each added 14 points.

Five minutes into the game, Butler had taken a 12-3 lead thanks to making five of their first seven shots coupled with five early turnovers by the visiting Anteaters, the preseason pick to win the Big West Conference. UC Irvine is now 11-3 on the season and saw their streak of 10 straight true road wins come to an end.

"We really put an emphasis on setting the tone early, and we were able to do that tonight," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan after the Bulldogs had to overcome a 14-point deficit Tuesday night to defeat Presbyterian. "It got a little choppy in the second half, but we got some energy off our bench late and that was really important. That's a good team we beat tonight and a good win for us."

Butler's lead got to 24 in the first half and the Bulldogs had a 41-17 halftime advantage. Tucker had 13 points in the opening half as Butler his seven three-pointers.

It was Butler's defensive effort that proved to be the difference Friday as the Bulldogs forced UC Irvine into 28-percent shooting in the first half and only a 35-percent mark for the game. The Anteaters had 14 turnovers against only four assists.

Butler shot only 41 percent from the field, but made nine of 17 attempts from behind the arc (53 percent). The Bulldogs went 20-of-23 from the free throw line and out-rebounded UC Irvine, 35-31.

Aaron Thompson had seven assists for the Bulldogs. Freshman Bryce Golden, following shoulder surgery over the summer, made his Butler debut. He had two points and two rebounds in seven minutes of action.

No UC Irvine player registered double figures.

Following several days off for the holidays, the Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Dec. 29, traveling to Florida for a game with the Gators. It will actually be the second match-up with UF this season, as Butler took a 61-54 decision Nov. 23 in the final game of the Battle 4 Atlantis.