Main Story

Butler held off North Dakota State, 68-61, at Hinkle Fieldhouse to improve to 4-0 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Judit Valero led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Taya Ellis added 14 points and nine rebounds. Butler built a 13-point lead in the third quarter and withstood a late Bison push.

By the Numbers
  • Valero: 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting.
  • Ellis: 14 points and 9 rebounds.
  • Butler forced 13 turnovers and scored 19 points off them.
  • Butler shot 48.2%; NDSU shot 39.7%.
Yes, But

North Dakota State outrebounded Butler 36-31 and kept the game within reach late, but the Bulldogs held on to close out the win.

What's Next

Butler travels to Martin, Tennessee, to face UT Martin. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, with the game streaming on ESPN+.

Bottom Line

Butler’s balanced scoring and ability to turn NDSU’s turnovers into points helped preserve its unbeaten start despite a late comeback attempt.