Story by Kalon Fullerton

The Butler Grizzlies bounced back from a midweek loss to Northwest Tech as they got back to winning ways with a 80-69 victory over the Pratt Beavers at the Power Plant on Saturday.

The Grizzlies gained the lead with 17 minutes left in the first half and never looked back, taking a 10 point lead into the half and growing the lead to as many as 15 in the second half. A furious comeback from the Beavers cut the lead to single digits but they would get no further.

It was the Rob Brown show for the Grizzlies as the Niagara transfer finished with 21 points, hitting four of his six threes and finishing with five rebounds. Tahjae Hill and Caleb Golden also finished in double figures, as Hill finished with 17 points while Golden finished with 10. 

The Grizzlies shot 43% as a team from the field and 41% from the three, making seven of their 17 attempts from deep. The Grizzlies also finished with 40 points in the paint as well as 40 bench points. 

Turnovers were a decisive part of the victory, as the Grizzlies forced 19 Beaver turnovers, including four steals from Isiah Williams. The Grizzlies also won the rebounding battle, finishing with 35 rebounds, led on the glass by Isaac Ondekane, who grabbed down seven. The Grizzlies allowed just two second Chance points, and just 34 points in the paint.

Butler improves to 17-5 and 11-5 in conference play, and they complete a sweep of the Beavers after defeating them in Pratt in November. Butler will play in a battle for first place as they host the Coffeyville Red Ravens at the Power Plant on Wednesday.