Butler Men struggle in the second half in loss to #8 Dodge City

Story by Kalon Fullerton and Wyatt Ebersole

The Butler Grizzlies could not withstand a hot shooting night from the eighth ranked team in the nation as they were defeated by the Dodge City Conquistadors at the Power Plant on Wednesday night, falling to the Conquistadors, 84-70.

Dodge City had just a three point lead going into the halftime interval after a back-and-forth first half battle, but things quickly fell apart for the Grizzlies. Dodge came out of the break on fire and they were up by double-digits just 5 minutes into the second half. The lead was stretched to as much as 24 points as Butler was plagued with foul trouble all night.

The Grizzlies couldn't find much offense, especially early on in each half, shooting 38% as a team, and making just seven of their 24 attempts from deep. Javan Grant and Tahjae Hill were the bright spots for the Grizzlies. Hill led the Grizzlies with 19 points, while Grant finished with 14. It was Rob Brown who was the only other Grizzly to finish in double figures, as he finished the night with 10 points. 

Treylon Payne led the Grizzlies on the glass, finishing with 11 rebounds and nine points, just one short of a double-double. Grant and Payne led the team with assists, finishing with four. Butler was helped by 28 points off turnovers and 30 points in the paint. 

Butler forced 21 turnovers and 10 steals as a team. The Grizzlies were led by Payne who stole the ball away three times. 

The Grizzlies fall to 10-3 on the year and 4-3 in Jayhawk Play. Kyle Fisher's squad will look to bounce back in a trip to Concordia this weekend as they travel to face the Cloud County Thunderbirds.

NOTES: Kyle Fisher is 1-4 against Dodge City in his career...This is the Grizzlies worst home loss since January 4th, 2020 when Barton beat the Grizzlies 97-84...This is the first time the Grizzlies have been outscored by double-digits in the second half since February 18th, 2022 against Hutchinson...Dodge City's 84 points on the night is the most points the Grizzlies have allowed in a game in the Power Plant since March 29th, 2021 when they gave up 94 to Cowley...Butler is now 44-8 at home in the Kyle Fisher Era (2019-Pres)