David Woods

david.woods@indystar.com

Butler is donating the $5,000 it is being fined by the Big East to Be The Match, a bone marrow registry that became an important cause to the late Andrew Smith.

The Big East announced Sunday night it would fine Butler for Wednesday’s postgame court-storming after the Bulldogs defeated top-ranked Villanova 66-58 in basketball before a sellout crowd at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The conference statement praised Butler’s staff for its preparedness and said there were no injuries reported. However, the conference also said:

“While we appreciate the enthusiasm associated with Wednesday’s contest, we believe it is appropriate to enforce the existing policy and impose the prescribed fine, which we will donate to a charity designated by Butler and the Big East.”

Athletic director Barry Collier said the university would contribute to Be The Match from the Bulldog Club, the fund-raising arm of Butler athletics. Be The Match is connected to Butler through Project 44, which was established in honor of Smith, who wore No. 44 as a Bulldogs player.

Thursday marks the anniversary of Smith’s death after a long cancer fight.

After last week's game, Butler coach Chris Holtmann promised to make a "significant" contribution if Butler were fined.

Call IndyStar reporter David Woods at (317) 444-6195. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.