The Butler Grizzlies picked up a huge win in Concordia on Wednesday, snapping a three game losing streak and finishing the season sweep of Cloud County in a game that went down to the wire, 70-65 in overtime.
The Grizzlies squandered a nine point lead going into the fourth quarter, after leading by two at halftime. Butler led by as many as 12 in the third quarter, but the Thunderbirds made a run, outscoring Butler 20-11 in the final frame and hitting two clutch free throws to send the game to overtime. In the extra frame Jaila Harding hit a layup to give Butler the three point lead, and they would salt the game away at the free throw line after Cloud missed a chance to tie the game.
The Grizzlies were led by Harding and Jada Knight, who both finished with 15. Emily Mandamin was also a key figure off the bench as she scored 12 points, followed by Kaylee Nero who scored 10.
The Grizzlies finally had a breakout game from the three point line, finishing with 11 made threes, and shooting 44% from behind the arch on the night. The three point shooting was the difference, as Cloud ended up outshooting Butler from the field. The Grizzlies bench was also dominant, as Butler got 40 points from their non-starters.
The Grizzlies were outrebounded, 44-38, but gave just eight second chance points. The Grizzlies also forced a stifling 32 Thunderbird turnovers, and cashed in 12 points off those turnovers. Their 19 steals was the second most the Grizzlies have forced in conference play this season, led by Knight's four.
The win improves Butler's record to 15-8, and 10-8 in conference play, and they'll pick up a huge road win, improving to 6-5 away from home on the year. The Grizzlies will hope to start a winning streak when they return home to face the Barton Cougars at the Power Plant on Saturday.