YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Matt Howard scored 23 points and Shelvin Mack added 22 as Butler stayed unbeaten with a 79-71 victory over Youngstown State on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs (7-0, 2-0 Horizon League) hit 18 of 21 free throws in the second half to make a 39-28 halftime lead stand.
Kelvin Bright had 27 points and Sirlester Martin 12 for the Penguins (1-6, 0-2).
Youngstown State led by four points midway through the first half before Butler took control. The Bulldogs led by as many as 19 points in the second half.
Howard also had nine rebounds and hit all but two of his 15 foul shots.