Butler becomes first opposing team to win at new arena

DODGE CITY, Kan. – The Butler men became the first opposing team to win at the new United Wireless Arena in Dodge City, knocking off the Conquistadors 87-77 on Wednesday night.

The game was back-and-forth throughout the first half. Butler's biggest lead was 23-19 following a 3-pointer from Lane Lindhorst with 10:58 left in the period, but it was Dodge City eventually leading 41-40 at the break.

The second half was more of the same. Butler didn't take the lead for good until Jal'n Williams hit a 3-pointer with 6:45 to go to make the score 63-61. Zac Bargen then scored six straight points to push Butler's advantage to 69-61 with 4:53 to go.

Dodge City got within three points with a minute to go, but the Conquistadors lost any chance at a comeback when they were whistled for four straight technical fouls following a personal foul. Two technicals were assessed to head coach Brady Trenkle, who was ejected from the contest. Butler made six of the 10 free throws and ended up winning by 10, their largest margin of the game.

Zac Bargen had his best performance of the season with a team-high 23 points. He was one of five Grizzlies in double figures, as Justin Simmons had 15, Sean Osler scored 14, Jal'n Williams had 13 and Andrew Victoria scored 12 points. Simmons led the team with seven rebounds while Cameron Cornelius had a team-high four assists.

Dodge City was led by Tyshon Pickett with 21 points. RJ McGhee had 18 points and Tramel White scored 16.

Butler is now 8-14 on the season, 2-6 in the Jayhawk West Conference with the first half of conference play completed. Butler will start the second tour through the conference with a road trip Saturday at Garden City with a 7:30 p.m. The game can be heard online by visiting www.butlergrizzlies.com