INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Brandon Polk scored 27 points, including 7-of-8 free throws, and Brandon Crone added 20 as Butler held off Illinois-Chicago in an 86-82 victory Saturday.
The Bulldogs (13-14, 7-9 Horizon League) led throughout and enjoyed a double-digit edge through most of the first half that grew to 18 points midway through the half.
But after trailing 42-32 at the half, the Flames (14-13, 8-8) rallied, cutting Butler's lead to under 10 points before the Bulldogs struggled to fight their way back, with Crone's field goal at 3:57 making it 74-64 Butler.
The rest of the way, however, the Flames, who were led by Cedrick Banks' game-high 28 points, outscored the Bulldogs 18-12, but it wasn't enough.
Justin Bowen made a layup with 7 seconds remaining to pull Illinois-Chicago within two points, 84-82. But A.J. Graves, who added 16 points for Butler, made both of his free throws after being fouled to seal the Bulldogs' win.
Jovan Stefanov had 12 points for the Flames, while Armond Williams and Karl White added 10 each.
