Clutch Free Throws Lift No. 19 Butler to 99–97 Road Win

GOODLAND, Kan. – The No. 19 Butler Grizzlies edged Fort Hays Tech in a thrilling finish, 99–97, to remain atop the Jayhawk Conference standings on Saturday afternoon.

Butler improves to 16–6 overall and 12–4 in conference play, while Fort Hays Tech drops to 11–9 and 7–8 in the league. The Grizzlies hold a one‑game lead over second‑place Independence (11–5).

Butler appeared in control for much of the afternoon, leading 54–45 at halftime and stretching the margin to 61–47 with 18 minutes remaining. Fort Hays Tech responded with a 14–0 run over a three‑minute span to tie the game at 61–61. The Grizzlies rebuilt a double‑digit lead at 82–72 with 8:37 left, but the Tigers surged again, eventually taking a 94–91 lead with 1:52 to play.

Trailing 96–95, Butler forced a turnover, and Fort Hays Tech fouled Josiah Kirkwood, who calmly sank both free throws to put the Grizzlies ahead 97–96 with 43 seconds left. On the ensuing Tigers possession, Butler fouled, sending Fort Hays Tech to the line. The Tigers made the first free throw but missed the second, tying the game at 97. Butler couldn't secure the rebound, and the ball went out of bounds off the Grizzlies.

Off the inbound, Fort Hays Tech's Matija Otasevic attempted a three‑pointer and drew a foul on Devin Kerr. Butler head coach Eric Nitsche challenged the call, arguing Otasevic kicked his right leg out to initiate contact. After review, officials overturned the foul and assessed Otasevic a flagrant‑one for the leg kick. Freshman Xavier Brown took the two free throws and knocked them both down, giving Butler a 99–97 lead with 16 seconds remaining. Fort Hays Tech held for the final shot, but the potential game‑winning three at the buzzer missed, sealing the Grizzlies' victory.

Butler shot 40.5 percent from the field compared to Fort Hays Tech's 47.1 percent, but the Grizzlies made up ground from deep, hitting 13 of 35 threes. Both teams lived at the foul line—Butler went 22 of 29 (75.9 percent), while the Tigers finished 26 of 43 (60.5 percent). The game featured 10 ties and seven lead changes.

Xavier Brown led Butler with 22 points, one shy of tying his career high. Sophomore Josiah Kirkwood added 19. AJ Pierre‑Jerome posted 13 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Odie Williams contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Next up: Butler returns to the Power Plant on Wednesday to host the Garden City Broncbusters at 7:30 p.m.