Story by Kalon Fullerton, Butler Athletics
The Butler Grizzlies stayed hot, winning their fourth straight game, defeating the Cowley Tigers on the road, 79-66 on Wednesday night in Arkansas City.
The Grizzlies were dominant on the boards, finishing with 40 rebounds, and 13 offensive rebounds, seemingly coming down with every single board in the second half. Marque English and Jaden Okon led the Grizzlies on the glass with eight, as they used a dominant second half to propel them to the road victory. Butler held the Tigers to just 25 points in the final frame, after taking a two point lead into the locker room. The Grizzlies held Cowley to 33% in the second half.
Eden Holt was sensational offensively, leading all scorers with 21 points. Four Butler players finished in double figures, as Jaden Okon finished with 18 points Treylon Payne and Marque English chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively. The Grizzlies finished the game shooting a scorching 52% from the field, and their nine three point were good for 47%. Their dominance on the glass led to 20 second chance points and they also got eight points from their bench.
Cowley finished the game 50% from the field, but the Grizzlies held them in check in the second after the Tigers shot an incredible 62% in the first half. Butler held Cowley to just three second chance points, and the Grizzlies also forced eight Cowley turnovers.
The win is Butler's 20th of the year, as they improve to 20-6 on the year and 14-6 in conference play. It's the Grizzlies' first win at W.S. Scott Auditorium in two years and their second win in Arkansas City since 2016.
The Grizzlies will have no time to celebrate, as they have to bounce right back with the two biggest games of the season coming at home in the Power Plant this week. The Grizzlies will play old rivals and 19th ranked Hutchinson on Thursday, and will then host 16th ranked Garden City on Saturday.