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Butler trying to seize early control in Horizon League

Jan 17, 2009 - 11:20 AM No. 18 Butler (15-1) at Illinois-Chicago (9-7), 2:00 p.m. EST

With a pair of big home games coming up next week, No. 18 Butler looks to keep rolling in the Horizon League when it visits Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

The Bulldogs (15-1, 6-0 Horizon), who have won seven straight games overall, are off to their best start in league play since beginning 7-0 during the 1990-91 season.

Freshman Shelvin Mack scored 20 points and Matt Howard added 18 and 11 rebounds as Butler cruised past Loyola-Chicago, 78-55, on Thursday. The Bulldogs took control with a 22-0 run early in the first half.

Butler has won the past three Horizon League regular-season crowns and hosts Wisconsin-Green Bay and Wisconsin-Milwaukee next week. Both schools currently have one loss in league play.

Illinois-Chicago (9-7, 2-4) snapped a four-game losing streak on Thursday, posting a 77-52 victory over Valparaiso.

Robo Kreps scored 23 points and Tori Boyd added 14 in the win for the Flames. Josh Mayo leads the team in scoring at 18.1 per game.

Butler has won the past four meetings, including all three last season. UIC was eliminated by Butler in the Horizon League semifinals, 66-50.