INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Villanova used a decisive second-half surge to defeat Butler 85-67 in a Big East men’s basketball game Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Leading by just three at halftime, the Wildcats outscored the Bulldogs 55-34 after the break. Villanova’s defense was stifling, forcing 13 turnovers and converting them into 15 points. The Wildcats also dominated inside, scoring 46 points in the paint.

Acaden Lewis led Villanova with 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Matthew Hodge scored a team-high 17 points. For Butler, Finley Bizjack scored 18 points and Michael Ajayi added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Villanova improved to 12-2 overall. Butler fell to 10-5. Attendance was 8,034.