Butler’s Howard expected to start in NCAA championship game against Duke

Butler expects Howard to start in NCAA title game

INDIANAPOLIS — Butler center Matt Howard is listed as a starter for the national championship game against Duke.

An NCAA stats official say Howard is on Monday night’s starting lineup submitted by Butler. He has shown no lingering effects from a concussion he suffered against Michigan State.

Team spokesman Jim McGrath says Howard participated in the team’s early afternoon shootaround at Lucas Oil Stadium and he returned for the late session. Butler’s doctors said Howard would play if he remains symptom-free.

The underdog Bulldogs need the 6-foot-8 Howard to help contend with Duke’s size advantage. The Blue Devils have 7-1 center Brian Zoubek and three 6-10 players, including the Plumlee brothers.