Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Rotnei Clarke scored a game-high 21 points as he helped guide the Butler Bulldogs to a convincing 74-59 win over the Elon Phoenix in season-opening action at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Clark made good on 5-of-10 shots behind the three-point line for the Bulldogs (1-0), the rest of the team hitting on only 4-of-14 on the perimeter in the outing. Kellen Dunham contributed 18 points off the bench and Khyle Marshall chipped in 14 in the triumph.

Elon (0-1) was paced by Ryley Beaumont and Austin Hamilton who both tallied 13 points, the former tying for the team high with a mere four rebounds.

The Bulldogs opened on a 7-0 run and never looked back, eventually taking a 43-26 advantage at the break. Elon was held to a mere eight field goals through the first 20 minutes of action.

The Phoenix made some progress in the second half, hitting on 48.1 percent from the floor (13-of-27), but even with the hosts failing to make a single appearance at the free-throw line in the period, Butler still captured the double-digit win.

Butler dominated on the glass, 39-20, and held the visitors to only 7-of-22 shooting behind the three-point line on the day.

GAME NOTES:

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