Before the Horizon League men's basketball tournament championship game, the nation knew that Butler would be in the NCAA Tournament. This fact did not change the importance of that game. The Bulldog’s NCAA seed hung in the balance of a matchup against HL second-place Cleveland State in Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 11.

Butler pushed forward firmly in the second half and came out on top of the Vikings 70-55, boosting its standing in the eyes of the NCAA elites. The game began with the signature Drew Streicher alley-oop and continued with unceasing energetic play from both sides. Cleveland State was led by the tough play of J’Nathan Bullock who scored 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds. But Bullock was all that the Vikings had in their attempt to top Butler.

Butler had to overcome first half turnovers and the physical defense of Bullock, but eventually the home team countered the top Viking with fluid passing, improved rebounding and strong free-throw shooting. The top statistics came from the three Bulldogs named to the all-tournament team -- Drew Streicher with 11 points and three rebounds, Matt Howard with 16 points, five rebounds and two blocks and Mike Green with 24 points (tying a career high) and 13 rebounds. Jarryd Loyd of Valparaiso and Bullock were also named to the all-tournament top five.

Butler players were presented more Horizon League honors. A.J. Graves and Green were named first-team all-conference, and Matt Howard was named Newcomer of the Year and second-team all-conference. Green was also named the tournament MVP and the conference Player of the Year.

Butler, currently ranked No. 12 in the nation, was projected to be a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.