Butler without leading scorer vs. Valparaiso

Feb 27, 2010 - 1:14 AM By TOM COYNE AP Sports Writer

VALPARAISO, Ind.(AP) -- No. 15 Butler will be without leading scorer Gordon Hayward when the Bulldogs play at Valparaiso, and Matt Howard will try to play despite an illness.

Hayward will not play because of a lower back problem. He is averaging 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Howard, the reigning Horizon League player of the year, missed the team's shootaround because of a stomach ailment but will try to play against the Crusaders Friday night.

Butler has won 17 straight and is trying to become the third Horizon League team to go unbeaten in conference play, joining the 1995-96 Wisconsin-Green Bay (16-0) and 1994-95 Xavier (14-0) squads.