Okon posts first double-double of season; Grizzlies win big in final tune up

Okon posts first double-double of season; Grizzlies win big in final tune up

The Butler Grizzlies, ranked ninth in the nation, improved to 5-0 on the young season at the Power Plant in El Dorado on Saturday, cruising to a 114-42 win over McPherson College.

It was another dominant afternoon for the Grizzlies, as five players would hit double digit figures for the second straight game. Jaden Okon led all scorers with 19, also getting 12 rebounds for the first double double of the season. Okon was perfect from the field, scoring on all eight attempts. CJ Powell scored 15 and also finished perfect from the field, scoring seven baskets in seven attempts. Eden Holt was close behind, notching 13 points and nine assists, just one short of the double double.

It was a dominant performance offensively, the Grizzlies shot a scorching 64% from the field despite a cold afternoon from three point range. Butler spread the wealth, ending the day with 28 assists, led by Holt's nine. The Grizzlies made it work inside, scoring 92 points in the paint. Butler also flexed their depth, with 59 bench points in the victory, the Grizzlies bench outscored their opponents for the second consecutive game. Butler would also get 16 second chance points. 

It was just as resounding on the defensive end, with the Grizzlies holding the Bulldogs to 19% from field goal range. Butler forced 18 turnovers and cashed in 26 points off turnovers. The Grizzlies pounded the glass all game, out rebounding McPherson 64-20. Butler did not give up a single second chance point to the Bulldogs, and gave up just 16 points in the paint, also earning 10 blocks as a team. 

With the win, the Grizzlies remain unbeaten, and will start conference play next week, heading to Colby on Wednesday, before returning home to host Seward on Saturday.