Fast start leads to Butler rout of S. Dakota St.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Nick Brooks scored nine of his 18 points in a 16-2 run the first six minutes of the game, leading Butler to an 80-52 victory Friday night over South Dakota State.
The Bulldogs (1-0) were never threatened after their fast start and stayed in control by hitting 11 3-point baskets.
Brooks was the only starter without a 3-pointer, but the Butler forward did enough damage inside, hitting 8-of-9 shots, most of them on layups.
By halftime, Butler's lead was 36-15, and the Bulldogs took their biggest lead at 76-44 after four straight free throws by Brian Ligon in the game's closing minutes.
Jamie Smalligan added 10 points for Butler, while Bruce Horan had 9 points -- all on 3-pointers -- and Avery Sheets had 9 points and six assists.
South Dakota State (0-1) was led by Steve Holdren with 14 points and nine rebounds and Ben Beran with 10 points.