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Raivio leads Gonzaga into NIT title game against Butler

Nov 24, 2006 - 3:38 PM Butler (5-0) at No. 23 Gonzaga (5-0) 7:00 pm EST

New York (Ticker) -- Two days after a big victory over No.2 North Carolina, Gonzaga will try to take the preseason NIT title when it plays surprisingly unbeaten Butler.

The 23rd-ranked Bulldogs of Gonzaga have started the post-Adam Morrison era nicely, winning their first five games.

In its latest triumph, Gonzaga overcame an early 10-0 deficit and took a 65-50 lead midway through the second half en route to an 82-74 triumph over No. 2 North Carolina.

Derek Raivio had 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists and Josh Heytvelt chipped in 19 points and eight rebounds for the Bulldogs, who shot 51 percent (32-62) and held the Tar Heels to just 37 percent (25-of-68) shooting.

Freshman sensation Matt Bouldin added 14 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Butler has knocked off bigger programs Notre Dame, Indiana and No. 22 Tennessee to reach the championship matchup.

Tennessee used an 18-2 run early in the game to take a 21-8 lead, but the Volunteers' offense then went silent. Butler forced 14 first-half turnovers to close within 25-22 and held the Volunteers to 10 percent (3-of-29) shooting in the second half.

A.J. Graves and Julian Betko scored 15 points apiece for Butler, which shot just 34 percent (18-of-53) but committed just 16 turnovers against the Volunteers' full-court press.