Grizzlies win in Goodland, improve to 2-1 in KJCCC play

The Butler Grizzlies Men's Basketball team used a strong defensive effort as they defeated the Northwest Technical College Mavericks, 65-57, in a Jayhawk Conference matchup in Goodland on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies, ranked 20th in the national poll, improved to 7-1 on the year and are back above .500 in conference play at 2-1. 

It was a back and forth game of runs that featured six ties and nine lead changes. Neither team led by more than ten points at any point in the game. The Grizzlies overcame an early five point hole, and a key three pointer by Keyon Thomas and a last second layup by Caleb Golden gave the Grizzlies a 34-30 lead going into the locker room.

The Mavericks would answer with a 10-3 run to start the half, but the Grizzlies would answer with a 7-0 run of their own, taking a six point lead and forcing a timeout. It would be the defense that stepped up late, as Butler gave up just 27 points in the second half, and the Grizzlies made the free throws they needed late to seal the victory.

The Grizzlies were led by Keyon Thomas' 19 points, coming off the bench to spark the offense. Three Grizzly players scored in double digits, Caleb Golden with 14 and Marque English with 10.

The Grizzlies did not shoot well, but made the baskets they needed. They scored 40 points in the paint to make up for a night where they shot just 26% from three. They shot well from the free throw line, going 14-19 from the charity stripe, and got 29 points off of the bench.

But the game was won on the defensive end. The Grizzlies outrebounded the Mavs 40-28, led by Marque English's 11, as Northwest got just two second chance points. The Grizzlies forced 16 Maverick turnovers and cashed in 22 points off of those turnovers. In addition, the Mavericks made just two free throws on five attempts.

Butler will return home on Saturday to try to stay unbeaten at home this season when they welcome the Pratt Beavers to the Power Plant.