Posted: Nov 25, 2017
IOLA, Kan. – The Butler men dropped its third consecutive game with a 102-95 loss at Allen on Saturday.
The Grizzlies (4-4 overall, 1-4 conference) nearly erased an 18-point second half deficit, but lost the momentum after a shot-clock violation against Allen was not called.
Down 77-59 with 10:22 to play, Butler made a 21-4 run to pull within one, 81-80, with 3:53 remaining.
The Grizzlies scored 11 straight as Ketarrious Bouchum and Jared Armstrong each scored consecutive field goals, then Tevin Berry drilled a three-pointer from the left wing as Butler trailed 79-75.
After an Allen field goal, Bouchum scored on a baseline jumper then Berry hit another trey to close the gap to one.
Leading 84-81, Allen appeared to have committed a shot clock violation when Tyler Williams drove from the left side for a shot attempt. Video replay showed that the clock went off as Williams still had the ball in his hand. However, no call was made as Allen's Jamaal Clifton would get a basket on a putback.
Butler head coach Bryan Miller was then whistled for a technical after arguing the non-call. Williams would make two shots on the technical to give the Devils an 88-81 lead with 2:09 left.
Allen would make 11-of-14 free throws in the final 1:10, while Butler failed to close the deficit under six points down the stretch.
The Grizzlies held an early lead at 9-7 with 15:43 remaining in the first half. Williams, who finished with a game-high 29 points, would hit a three-pointer to spark an Allen 12-2 run.
Allen, who led 53-47 at halftime, added a 9-0 run early in the second half to take a 65-51 lead. The Devils would push the margin to 18 before Butler mounted its comeback.
Butler was led in scoring by Russell Smith with 24 points, while Armstrong finished with 19. Bouchum scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half.
Butler forced 20 turnovers and outscored Allen 26-6 off the turnovers. However, Allen found its way to the charity stripe, where the Devils made 40-of-46 (87 percent). Allen also won the rebound battle, 41-29.
The Grizzlies will try to end a three-game conference skid on Wednesday when they host Independence. Tipoff from the Power Plant is at 7:30 p.m.
