Strong Performance from Richardson Leads No. 22 Grizzlies to Win at Seward

LIBERAL, Kan. – The No. 22-ranked Butler men's basketball team defeated the Seward Saints 78-61 at The Greenhouse on Wednesday evening.

The win for Butler in 'The Greenhouse' was its first since Nov. 26, 2019. The Grizzlies (16-4, 11-3 KJCCC) sit in fourth place in the league following the win while Seward (6-15, 4-11 KJCCC) is tied for ninth.

Christian Richardson had his best game in a Grizzly uniform, putting up a career-high 22 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high six blocks. Fellow forward Jamichael Stillwell tallied 13 points and eight rebounds as the Butler front court posed problems all evening for the Saints.

Butler cruised to a 17-point first half lead at 41-24 going into the locker room. Seward's offense began to click in the second half as they put up 37 points, tying the second half output of Butler.

The Saints were led by Ryle Riddlespurger's four three's for 12 points as well as Blessin Kimble's 12 points and nine rebounds.  

Butler out-rebounded the Saints 45-35 while holding Seward to just 29.6% shooting (21-71). Butler shot 54.0% (27-50) from the field and knocked down 20 of 29 free throws (69%). Seward was 12-18 from the line (66.7%).

Seward forced 21 Butler turnovers, a season-high for the Grizzlies despite getting the 17-point win.

AJ Williams added nine points and four assists for Butler while Kale Washington poured in 13 points and grabbed three rebounds. Jaquez Thornton led Butler with five assists while Deuce Drake had four to go with seven points.

Butler will host Coffeyville (9-12, 5-10 KJCCC) at the Power Plant on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Grizzlies defeated the Red Ravens 56-51 at Nellis Hall earlier this season.