ROSEMONT, Ill. (Interstat) — Butler built a first-half lead and held on to defeat DePaul 81-71 in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Allstate Arena.

The Bulldogs led 39-32 at halftime and maintained their advantage throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 6,005. Michael Ajayi led Butler with 14 points and 11 rebounds. NJ Benson paced the Blue Demons with a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Butler improved to 16-15 overall. DePaul fell to 16-15. The Bulldogs shot 41 percent from the field and made 25 of 30 free throws. The Blue Demons shot 37.1 percent overall and 6 of 27 from three-point range.