The Butler Grizzlies beat Independence 72-66, despite the Pirates attempted comeback nearing the end of the second half.

The Grizzlies took a ten-point lead into the locker room at half, and at one point led by eighteen in the game that saw no tie and no lead changes; it was all Grizzlies all the way.

Butler took advantage of time behind the charity stripe as they shot 80% from the free throw line compared to Indy's 25%. The Grizzlies also won the rebounding battle with 45 to the Pirate's 26. Javon Grant led the team with 10 rebounds, all defensive.

Rob Brown was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 23 points in his 27 minutes of playing, followed by 19 from Isaac Ondekane and 14 from Isaiah Williams. Neither team shined offensively as Butler shot 40% from the field with only 26 points in the paint. Butler struggled a bit to handle the ball allowing 12 points off 19 turnovers.

The Grizzlies were able to maintain the lead the entire game with eyes on sights of a first-round playoff bye that required their victory. Improving to 22-8 on the season and 16-8 in conference the Grizzlies counted on a loss from Garden City at Hutchinson to keep a top four conference spot.  

Updates on games ahead and playoff matchups will be made when the conference releases final Region VI standings.