Butler Secures First Win Over Hutchinson Since 2023

EL DORADO, Kan. – The No. 14 Butler Grizzlies defeated No. 18 Hutchinson 56-44 in their home conference opener.

The victory marked Butler's first win over the Blue Dragons since the 2022-23 season, when the Grizzlies swept the series.

Butler (7-0, 2-0) controlled the game for much of the night against Hutchinson (6-2, 1-1).

The first half was a defensive battle, with Butler leading 10-6 through the opening 10 minutes before taking a 21-15 advantage into halftime. Hutchinson opened the second half with a three-pointer to cut the lead to 21-18, then briefly went ahead 22-21. Butler responded and closed the third quarter on top, 38-33.

Clinging to a 48-44 lead with 2:42 remaining, the Grizzlies scored six unanswered points to secure the 56-44 win—their first victory over Hutchinson since February 4, 2023.

Kenzie Galliart led Butler with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, the only Grizzly to reach double figures. Destiny Smith added nine points, hitting two of three from beyond the arc. Ashley Singhateh and Keegan Yarick chipped in eight points apiece.

Defensively, Butler forced 16 Hutchinson turnovers while committing just 10. The Blue Dragons shot 31.5% from the field, while Butler finished at 38.8% and converted 15 of 22 free throws.

With the win, Butler joins Dodge City and Seward County as the only teams to start 2-0 in conference play.

Next up: The Grizzlies travel to Pratt to face the Beavers in the Beaver Dome on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.