Butler plays well, but UConn shows why it's ranked No. 1, keeps Dawgs at arm's length.

UConn showed why it's the No. 1 team in the country, using smothering defense and an efficient offense to earn a 71-62 win over Butler.

D.J. Davis did his best to keep the Bulldogs in it, scoring a team-high 21 points. Posh Alexander got the start at point guard after missing Butler's win over Creighton with a foot injury. Alexander finished with eight points, five rebounds and five assists. Jahmyl Telfort added 17 points.

Here are three reasons UConn defeated Butler.

Jahmyl Telfort, Pierre Brooks II struggle from the field

D.J. Davis showed why he's one of the best shooters in the country, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line and 3-for-6 from 3. Unfortunately for Butler, Davis' teammates could not find their rhythm on offense.

Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks II shot a combined 9-for-27 (33%) for 22 points. The five-point effort from Brooks is the first time he's failed to reach double figures all season.

One game after Butler's bench played a key role against Creighton, the Dawgs reserves scored just four points.

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Dawgs can't find answer for Clingan, Spencer

UConn's inside-outside duo of Donovan Clingan and Cam Spencer led the way. Spencer scored a team-high 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Clingan added 18 points and 14 rebounds. Clingan helped UConn out-score Butler 38-28 in the paint.

The Huskies used their ball movement to create easy looks at the basket. Spencer did his damage from deep, making Butler pay for going under screens. The teams were even in the rebounding battle, but UConn did a good job of turning defensive rebounds into fast-break points, outscoring Butler 12-7 in transition.

D.J. Davis continues offensive explosion

Davis ended the first half with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. He continued his scoring outburst after halftime, going on a personal 11-0 run, helping Butler get within three with 18:13 left. Butler would not get closer than two possessions the rest of the way, but Davis' effort kept the Bulldogs relatively close.

Tuesday's 21-point performance is Davis' third straight game of 20-plus points. The senior from California is averaging 21 points over his last five games, and he's shooting 25-for-26 (96.1%) from the free throw line over that stretch, moving him to No. 1 in the nation in free throw percentage.

Each of Butler's transfers has enjoyed breakout performances this season. Davis is enjoying an impressive run, and it's the type of play the Dawgs need if they want to get another resume win to strengthen their case for an NCAA Tournament bid.

Butler box score vs. No. 1 UConn

BUTLER (15-8): Telfort 7-17 3-3 17, Thomas 2-4 3-4 7, Alexander 3-8 2-2 8, Davis 6-12 6-6 21, Brooks 2-10 0-0 5, Screen 1-2 0-0 2, Bizjack 1-3 0-0 2, Cassia 0-1 0-0 0, Kapke 0-2 0-0 0, Moore 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-59 14-15 62.

UCONN (21-2): Karaban 3-7 0-0 7, Clingan 8-12 2-4 18, Castle 2-6 1-1 5, Newton 3-11 2-2 9, Spencer 7-12 2-2 20, Diarra 3-6 3-3 9, S.Johnson 1-1 1-2 3, Stewart 0-2 0-0 0, Ball 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-57 11-14 71.

Halftime—UConn 35-27. 3-Point Goals_Butler 4-18 (Davis 3-6, Brooks 1-5, Kapke 0-1, Bizjack 0-2, Telfort 0-4), UConn 6-17 (Spencer 4-8, Karaban 1-3, Newton 1-3, Castle 0-1, Clingan 0-1, Stewart 0-1). Rebounds_Butler 29 (Screen 9), UConn 32 (Clingan 14). Assists_Butler 8 (Alexander 5), UConn 14 (Clingan, Newton, Spencer, Diarra 3). Total Fouls_Butler 10, UConn 11.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball loses to top-ranked UConn in Big East play