Butler holds on

Matt Howard scored 19 points and No. 16 Butler won its sixth straight game, pulling away for a 66-55 victory over Loyola of Chicago (5-10, 1-4 Horizon League) on Monday in Chicago.

The Bulldogs (14-1, 3-1) improved to 14-1 for the second straight season and the fifth time in the program’s history.

•University of Detroit-Mercy coach Perry Watson is taking an indefinite leave of absence for medical reasons. Associate coach Kevin Mondro will serve as head coach.