Grizzlies Score Over 100 points Again, Win for the Fourth Straight Game

EL DORADO, Kan. – The No. 18 ranked Butler Grizzlies defeated the Independence Pirates 111- 99 in a physical battle in the Power Plant on Wednesday night.

It was a back and forth battle between the Grizzlies (9-3, 5-1) and the Pirates (7-5, 5-2) on Wednesday night, with both teams scratching and clawing until the very end. 

The Grizzlies opened the game with a turnover on each of their first three possesions. Independence jumped out in front 10-6, but the Grizzlies responded by scoring six unanswered to take their first lead of the game, 12-10. Butler led Independence 33-30 with five and a half minutes to go in the first half, but caught fire late to extend their lead 51-39 with two minutes remaining until halftime. Independence eventually cut the Grizzly lead to 57-50 heading into the break. Butler shot 42.9 percent in the first half and were six of 16 from three. Independence shot 22 free throws compared to the Grizzlies 14. 

Independence started the second half by going on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 57 a piece. The Grizzlies responded by going on a run of their own, scoring 11 unanswered to take a 68-57 lead. The Pirates were never able to cut into the Grizzly lead, but kept the game close the rest of the way. The Grizzlies hit clutch shots and free throws down the stretch to seal the victory to improve to 5-1 in conference play, now tied with Cowley in first place of the Jayhawk Conference. 

Tristan Hankins had a career scoring night, scoring a career-high 29 points on 10 of 19 shooting in the win. Freshman guard Xavier Brown had 22 points off the bench, while three other Grizzlies scored 10 points each. Independence's David Wilson had an impressive night, dropping 27 points, including going 14 of 16 from the free throw line. 

As a team, Butler shot 42 percent from the floor, and were 10 of 31 from three. The Grizzlies also had an astounding 19 offensive rebounds on the night. Butler forced 19 Independence turnovers in the win. 

Next up: The Grizzlies will hit the road on Saturday to take on the Seward County Saints from the Greenhouse at 4 p.m.