Grizzlies lose overtime battle in Liberal

Grizzlies lose overtime battle in Liberal

Ashtyn Conley's season high 19 points were not enough for the Grizzlies as a late free throw sunk Butler in overtime as they fell to the Seward Saints, 68-67, in overtime at Liberal on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies put up a heroic second half effort, including a 23-7 third quarter, to get the game into the extra frame after being down 10 points at halftime. MeKayla Furman's layup in the lane tied the game at 62, and Seward missed two free throws in the final seconds of regulation. The Grizzlies had multiple leads in overtime, but Seward made one of two free throws with four seconds left, and a late buzzer beater attempt by the Grizzlies would not go in, sealing the defeat.

The Grizzlies shot 38% from the field, but their undoing was from the three point line, not making a single three pointer in eight attempts. Despite the poor shooting, three Butler players were able to score in double digits, with Furman's 14 and Syncere Harrod's 10 joining Conley. It was a sloppy game for both teams, as the Saints and the Grizzlies combined for 48 turnovers. Butler was able to turn in 20 points off Seward turnovers, but also gave up 20 points off turnovers off their own.

The brightest spot in the game for Butler was inside. The Grizzlies outrebounded Seward, 49-38, led by Conley who had seven. Butler turned in 36 points in the paint and 10 second chance points.

The Grizzlies will fall to 13-4, and 8-4 in Jayhawk Conference play. Butler will look to bounce back when they return home on Saturday, welcoming Northwest Tech to the Power Plant.