After playing for the 2010 National Championship, Butler clawed their way into simply qualifying for the 2011 NCAA Tournament by winning the Horizon League Tournament. By defeating Milwaukee by a 59-44 final, Butler has now reached the Big Dance for five consecutive seasons.

Matt Howard was named Tournament MVP and was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Shelvin Mack and Shawn Vanzant, along with Anthony Hill (Milwaukee) and Brandon Wood (Valparaiso).

• Click here to view RealGM’s comprehensive list of 2011 Conference Tournaments.

Norris Cole of Cleveland State won the 2010-11 Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards on Thursday.

Joining Cole on the the All-League First Team are Vaughn Duggins (Wright State), Anthony Hill (Milwaukee), Matt Howard (Butler) and Brandon Wood (Valpariaiso).

On the Second Team are N'Gai Evans (Wright State), Rahmon Fletcher (Green Bay), Eli Holman (Detroit), Shelvin Mack (Butler) and Ray McCallum (Detroit).

McCallum was also named Newcomer of the Year.

On the All-Defensive Team were Cole, teammate Trevon Harmon, Ronald Nored (Butler), and Howard and Holman.

• Click here for more information on the Horizon League awards.