The Butler Bulldogs are returning to the NCAA championship game for the second consecutive year. Last season, Butler edged Michigan State in the national semifinals to make the championship game. This year, Butler downed VCU by a score of 70-62.
Although the final score was an eight-point win for Butler, the action was much closer throughout the game. Neither team could really pull away. In fact, Butler got up by seven with a few minutes left and looked as though it might pull away, but VCU hit a three-pointer and got a foul. The free throw was missed, but it was an indication of how close the game was and how neither team could easily run away with this game.
The moment when Butler essentially clinched the game was with 57 seconds left. Matt Howard, just like he did against Old Dominion at the buzzer in the second round, followed a miss with a put-back layup, giving Butler a six-point lead. After VCU failed to score on the next two possessions and Butler hit four consecutive free throws, the game was as good as over, and the final ended up being 70-62.
Butler will play either Kentucky or UConn in Monday's NCAA championship game.
To keep track of the games that have already been played and the Final Four games set to be played tonight, check out SBNation.com's printable NCAA tournament 2011 bracket. Also make sure to check out SB Nation Detroit's NCAA tournament StoryStream.