The Butler Grizzlies could not survive three point shooting woes, as they fell to the Hutchinson Blue Dragons, 65-58, at the Power Plant on Friday.
The Grizzlies finished the game just 1-10 from the three point line, as Jaila Harding made the only three of the game with 31.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter. It proved to be detrimental to their comeback bid, as the Grizzlies trailed by three points at halftime but saw the deficit extended to as many as 13 in the third quarter. The Grizzlies got to within five points but got no closer, as they could not get the pivotal stop they needed.
Mallory Cowman came off the bench to lead the Grizzlies with 13 points, one of three Butler players to finish in double figures. Syncere Harrod and Cymirah Williams both finished with 10. Despite the poor three point shooting, the Grizzlies finished 50% from the field, scoring well in the paint, as they finished with 30 points inside. Turnovers were a problem for Butler all night though, as they finished with 19 turnovers which contributed to 20 Blue Dragons points off turnovers. The Grizzlies bench provided 32 of Butler's 58 points, keeping the Grizzlies in the game.
The Grizzlies defended well, holding Hutch to 34% from the field, and just 11.4% from three point range. But the Dragons were able to dominate the glass, finishing with 14 offensive rebounds. Butler was held to just seven second chance points and were outrebounded 33-30 on the night. Cymirah Williams led the Grizzlies on the glass with six rebounds.
It's Butler's fourth loss in five games and their third straight, as Hutch sweeps the season series. Butler's record will fall to 15-11 on the year, and they fall to 10-11 in conference play. The Grizzlies will have a quick chance to turn things around, as they face the Garden City Broncbusters on Saturday, hoping to get back to .500 in conference play.