The Butler Men's Basketball team picked up a crucial road win, keeping the Grizzlies in the running for the league title in a competitive Jayhawk Conference when they defeated the Pratt Beavers, 73-62, to complete the sweep after winning against Pratt at home in November.
The Grizzlies were led by Jaden Okon's spectacular game, as the sophomore finished with 17 points, just two short of his season high, and five rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Treylon Payne and Keyon Thomas also finished in double figures, scoring 13 and 11 respectively. Butler's leading scorer on the season, Marque English, returned after a one game absence, coming off the bench to score nine points, as the Grizzlies played only seven players for the second consecutive game.
The Grizzlies won the game with a stellar second half performance, after trailing by one as the two teams headed into the break. Butler scored 46 points in the second half, and shot 5-10 from the three point line to cement the victory.
Butler finished the game shooting 43% from the field, including seven threes. The Grizzlies passed the ball well, finishing with 21 assists, led by Eden Holt with six.
It was a fantastic night for Butler defensively. The Beavers were held to 31% from the field and a woeful 1-16 from the three point line. The Grizzlies forced 18 turnovers and cashed in 15 points off turnovers. The Grizzlies won despite being outrebounded by a wide margin, as Pratt finished with 52 rebounds and 11 second chance points. The defense was able to overcome a rare poor night on the glass for Kyle Fisher's team.
The victory snaps a two game road skid and improves the Grizzlies record to 16-5 and 10-5 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Grizzlies will return home next Wednesday for a massive Jayhawk Conference game against rival Hutch, as they hope to avenge a 104-95 loss to the Blue Dragons in December.