The Butler Grizzlies bounced back from a two game skid as they notched their first conference victory of the season, defeating the Northwest Tech Mavericks 72-65 at the Power Plant on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies remain undefeated against the Mavericks all time, improving to 6-0 against the Mavericks as a program. Butler, who received votes in the NJCAA Polls this week, improve to 7-2 on the season and they are now 1-2 in KJCCC play.
They had to grit out every minute of their first conference victory as the game was close throughout, including nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Grizzlies made several defensive stops in the second half and iced the game with clutch free throws late.
The Grizzlies were led by Isaiah Williams, scoring a season high 22 points, just six points short of his career high, which was 28 in a game against Dodge City last year. Williams did it all, earning 10 rebounds to secure a double-double, his first of the young season. He also led the Grizzlies in assists with four, and also in steals with three. Tahjae Hill and Treylon Payne also chipped in, as Payne scored 13 points while Hill finished with 12.
The Grizzlies shot 45% as a team, making four threes. The Grizzlies were excellent at the line, going 9-11 from the stripe. Butler also outrebounded the Mavs, finishing with 35 rebounds as a team.
Next up for the Grizzlies is a road trip as they hope to pick up another conference win as they travel to Pratt to face the Beavers on Saturday. The Beavers battled No. 9 Hutchinson tough Wednesday night before falling 120-118 in the final seconds.
