The Butler Bulldogs advanced to the Final Four of the 2011 NCAA Tournament following their 74-71 overtime victory over the Florida Gators. This is the second year in a row the Bulldogs will be in the Final Four. They reached the championship game in 2010, but lost to Duke.
The Bulldogs battled back in the second half of the game with the Gators, losing by as many as 11 points, to tie the game at 60 at the end of the second half. Florida's Erving Walker attempted a three-pointer to win the game in regulation, but his miss sent the game into overtime.
Shelvin Mack scored five of his 27 points in the overtime, and those five points were the last five scored by Butler. He did it on a trey and two free throws. With eight second left, Erving Walker tried for a three to tie the game, but missed. Ronald Nored pulled down the rebound, but then had the ball stolen by Kenny Boynton, who attempted and missed the three as time expired.
Matt Howard and Khyle Marshall added 14 points and 10 points, respectively. For the Gators, Vernon Macklin finished with 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting, while Alex Tyus put up 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kenny Boynton finished with 17 points.
Butler now waits for the winner of Kansas-Va. Commonwealth in the Final Four.