Butler's Howard reportedly cleared to play

INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler center Matt Howard has been cleared to play in tonight’s NCAA basketball title game against Duke, according to CBS Sports.

Butler spokesman Jim McGrath told the television network that Howard participated in the team's early afternoon drill at Lucas Oil Stadium. Butler's doctors then waited about 90 and gave Howard the OK to play.

The 6-foot-8 center suffered a head injury in Saturday’s 52-50 win over Michigan State and did play practice with the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Howard played 15 minutes, finishing with four points and two rebounds against the Spartans.

Caulton Tudor