MATTHEW VANTRYON | STAFF REPORTER

Despite a shaky opening half, Butler was able to pull away from Evansville late and leave with a 68-59 win.

Junior guard Alex Barlow scored a career-high 16 points to lead the Bulldogs (9-2). Barlow had eight rebounds and picked up four steals.

Sophomore guard Kellen Dunham added 15 points and senior forward Khyle Marshall scored 12 points.

Junior forward Kameron Woods grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds.

The Bulldogs dominated the boards, outrebounding the Purple Aces 49-31.

Butler struggled in the opening half.

The Bulldogs shot 35 percent (11-31) from the floor including 3-14 from deep.

Butler also struggled to control the basketball, committing five turnovers in the opening period. Marshall only attempted one shot in the half. Dunham led the Bulldogs with seven points in the first half.

Evansville’s D.J. Ballentine scored 11 in the period, including a three-pointer as time expired. The Purple Aces (5-6) took a 32-29 lead into the locker room at the half.

The visiting Bulldogs were much more effective in the second half.

Butler began the second half on a 6-0 run to take the lead, and extended its lead as the period continued.

The Purple Aces cut the deficit to three with six minutes to go, but Butler was able to pull away late, leading by as many as 12 with under a minute to play.

Butler forced 11 Evansville turnovers and scored 12 points off the miscues.

Balentine led the Purple Aces with 26 points in the losing effort.

Butler improved to 4-0 on the year versus in-state opponents.

Butler will host NJIT on Dec. 28 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.