Butler comeback attempt falls short in final regular season game of the year

The Butler men's basketball team finished up regular season play Saturday night on the road at Coffeyville and fell just short in an exciting heavyweight bout that ended up 77-73 in favor of the Red Ravens.

Butler trailed by as many as 17-points in the second half but would battle their way back and have a chance late to win the game. 

After falling behind 12-0 in the first five minutes of the game, the Grizzlies would find their groove closing the gap 14-13 after a Javaunte Hawkins three with 9:33 left in the first. It was back and forth the rest of the way and the Grizzlies tied the game up 33-33 heading into the locker room at the half.

"We started the game very cold," said head coach Kyle Fisher. "We were playing fine, we just couldn't finish. After a timeout my message was to settle down and play with confidence. After the slow start we quickly tied the game."

Coffeyville went on a 26-10 run early in the second half and would lead by 17-points at the 7:49 mark in the game.

"From the 13:00 minute mark to the 7:49 mark in the second half we struggled defensively," commented Fisher. "We got beat off the dribble and gave up offensive rebounds. On our end we missed several layups in that stretch. Once it got to 17 we started pressuring them in the full court which took them out of sink and allowed us to get back in the game,of course we shot it well the last seven minutes as well. We have hung in there and competed all year no matter what the scoreboard says. It was a credit to our character to come back and tie after being down 17 late in the game."

Butler, trailing by 17-points, would not throw in the towel and continued to chip away. Three pointers from Juwan White and Grehlon Easter brought the Grizzlies within three, 71-68 with 3:18 to play.

Javaunte Hawkins pulled up from the top of the key with a minute to play in hopes to tie the game but shot it off the back of the rim giving Coffeyville the rebound. A Kamron Brice steal and layup two possessions later got Butler within one-point, 74-73 with 13.2 seconds left in the game.

Butler was forced to foul and Coffeyville would make their free throws to seal the win holding on with the 77-73 victory.

Javaunte Hawkins led the Grizzlies with 15 points and six assists. Grehlon Easter added in 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Both Juwan White and Kamron Brice finished with 11 points in the game. Butler shot 43% from the floor and 62% from the free throw line. 

A big difference in the game was from the free throw line. Coffeyville was 17-22 (77%) while Butler only attempted 13 total free throws making eight of them.

Butler forced 16 Red Raven turnovers, but was out rebounded 43-31, allowing 12 offensive rebounds.

Butler (22-7, 15-5) finishes second place in the KJCCC East, their best record and finish since 2014-15. They will get the No. 3 overall seed in the Region VI Tournament and will host a first-round game on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm.

"After a very strong regular season and 2nd place finish in the toughest conference in America, we were awarded the three-overall seed. I like the way the bracket has fallen," mentioned Fisher. "That being said - Garden City is a very good team we see in the first-round. They have real talent and size. After a long regular season, they will feel refreshed with a chance to turn it around in the post season. We will need another great crowd in the Power Plant. Once you get to March, you have to play well to win no matter who you play."

Butler will face the No. 14 seed Garden City, who they beat earlier in the year 78-73 on the road in Garden City. Winner of the first-round game will advance to the quarterfinal round in Dodge City, KS at the United Wireless Arena.

Region VI Tournament Information- HERE