CHICAGO -- Gordon Hayward hit seven 3-pointers and tied his career-high with 25 points to lead No. 17 Butler to its eighth straight victory, 59-52 over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

Shelvin Mack had 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and Willie Veasley scored 10 points for the Bulldogs (16-1, 7-0 Horizon League), who overcame a 13-point second-half deficit.

Tori Boyd scored 13 points, Robo Kreps had 11 and Scott Vandermeer had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Flames (9-8, 2-5), who lost for the sixth time in eight games.

Hayward hit two free throws and consecutive 3-pointers to give the Bulldogs a 53-45 lead with 2:21 left.


Butler used a 13-4 run to pull within four points, then went on a 7-0 run to take a 43-42 lead with 8:26 remaining.

Stevens says going shoeless was worth it if it inspires one person to donate footwear.

Samaritan's Feet says 300 coaches have pledged to coach one game barefoot this year and collect shoes around Martin Luther King Day.