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Green lifts Butler past Valparaiso

Nov 30, 2006 - 3:20 AM VALPARAISO, Indiana (Ticker) -- Mike Green and Butler are off to a flying start in their trek across the Hoosier State.

Green scored 16 points and No. 18 Butler took control early en route to a 60-47 triumph over Valparaiso.

In the rankings for the first time this season after winning last week's NIT Season Tip-Off, the Bulldogs (8-0) were beginning a stretch in which five of their next six games are against teams from the state of Indiana.

Butler is off to its best start since opening the 2002-03 season with 10 straight victories.

Green was at his best early, scoring nine straight points in a 16-3 run that closed the first half and gave the Bulldogs a 32-17 lead.

The Bulldogs held the Crusaders to 28 percent (7-of-25) shooting in the first half. Valparaiso shot 39 percent (18-of-46) overall and made just 3-of-17 3-pointers.

Green's driving layup with 4:50 remaining gave the Bulldogs their biggest lead at 55-39.

A.J. Graves added 13 points for Butler, which already owns wins over Indiana and Notre Dame - two schools also located in the Hoosier State.

Brandon McPherson scored 14 points and Jarryd Loyd 10 for Valparaiso (3-3), which trailed by double digits the entire season half.

Butler made 20-of-26 free throws, while Valparaiso went just 8-of-19 at the line.