Easter leads Grizzlies to second consecutive 20 point victory

Grehlon Easter leads all scorers with a 20 point performance while Shawn Hopkins posted a double-double as Butler defeated Cloud County 79-59 on the road Monday night.

The Grizzlies didn't have their best night shooting but made up for it on the defensive side of the ball as they forced 21 T-Bird turnovers turning those into 26 points throughout the game.

Butler was in control for most of the game as Cloud wasn't able to keep pace with the Grizzlies. The T-Birds led by two with 7:00 left in the first half, but that would be their final lead as Butler took an eight point 32-24 lead into halftime.

On the backs of Easter and Hopkins, Butler dominated the second half extending their lead to as many as 22. Javaunte Hawkins would seal the game after making six straight free throws after Cloud was called for a foul that was followed up with two technical fouls late in the game. Tajim Smith would cap it off with a. made free throw with :21 seconds left as the Grizzlies finish on top 79-59.

"Our defense has become a staple of what we do now and it is definitely helping us win ball games," said head coach Kyle Fisher. "Our zone defense was really good for us and we did a good job matching up with it."

Grehlon Easter posted his second consecutive 20 point performance leading all scorers on the night. Shawn Hopkins came alive posting a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Javaunte Hawkins and Marque English both finished the night with 14 each.

Butler shot 36.5% from the floor and 39% from three-point range. They held the T-Birds to 40% from the floor and just 25% from deep.

" You never want to take these wins for granted," said Fisher. "I am proud of the guys and how they performed tonight and it is always a good night when you get a win in the Jayhawk."

Butler (13-4, 6-2) turn their sights to Allen (12-5, 7-1) who is currently above the Grizzlies in the KJCCC east. The Red Devils will come to town on Wednesday, January 15 for a 1:00pm tip.