LAS VEGAS (AP) — Fabian White Jr. scored 21 points and No. 12 Houston rode a dominating first half to a 70-52 win over Butler Monday in the opening round of the Maui Invitational.
The Cougars (4-0) overwhelmed Butler early, scoring the game's first 17 points while building a 21-point halftime lead. They weren't quite as locked in at either end of the floor to start the second half, allowing the Bulldogs (3-2) to creep back in it before pulling away down the stretch.
Next up for Houston is a spot in Tuesday's semifinals against Wisconsin.
Bryce Bolden had 16 points for Butler, which had 20 turnovers that led to 27 Houston points.