Butler vs. Marquette 2016 halftime notes

A torrid pace of play has undertaken the encounter between the Butler Bulldogs and Marquette Golden Eagles on the final Saturday of the first month of the year. At the end of the first 20 minutes of action, Butler and Marquette are tied at 37 apiece at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

Highly touted freshman and potential NBA lottery pick Henry Ellenson took over the first half with a dazzling performance. Ellenson showed off his range and versatility scoring a game-high 18 points with a 6-for-8 mark from the field. The freshman power forward from Rice Lake, Wisconsin was also 2-for-2 from the 3-point line and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

On the other end, Roosevelt Jones and Kelan Martin, perhaps Butler's two best in the 2015-16 season, have combined for 22 of Butler's 34 points. Jones leads with 15 and has been active on both ends coming away with some good transition action, attacking the rim after picking up a few steals - four to be precise. He also hit an absolutely ridiculous shot to tie the game at the halftime buzzer.

Both teams are shooting over 45 percent at the half and over 40 percent from the 3-point line. Butler is 4-for-5 from the free throw line and Marquette is 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Suffice it to say, points are being scored in bunches today.

Most of the action has come in the paint as Butler has scored 16 of their 37 points in the lane. Marquette, meanwhile, has 10 of their 37 from the paint.

Neither team has given much of an inch on the boards as Butler leads by just two in rebounding 14-12. They are, however, dominating on the offensive glass to the tune of 7-1.

There have been eight lead changes in the game and the score was tied nine times in the first half.

We're having fun. Come join us for the second half so you can too.