credit – Butler CC
EL DORADO, Kan. – The Butler men now own the program’s longest winning streak in more than 70 years as No. 4 Butler defeated Seward County 82-58 on Saturday at the Power Plant.
It is the 21st straight win for Butler to start the season, surpassing the 20-game winning streak put together by the 1993-94 Butler men. It is second only behind the 40-game winning streak put together by Butler teams over three seasons from 1941 to 1945.
In addition to being 21-0 overall, the Grizzlies are also 7-0 in Jayhawk West Conference action continuing to hold on to first place by a game over second-place Barton.
There was little drama in game against Seward, who matched its season low of 58 points. Both teams started slowly, as the score was just 5-5 nearly seven minutes into the contest. Eventually, the Grizzlies heated up as Robert Joiner hit a 3-pointer to give Butler the lead for good at 10-7 with 10:03 to play in the half.
A Caelan Neal steal and layup capped an 8-0 run as the Grizzlies doubled up Seward 20-10 with 7:41 to go in the period. Travis House would later hit a 3-pointer as Butler led 32-16 with 3:08 to play and the Grizzlies went into halftime leading 36-20.
The Grizzlies cruised through the second half. Butler’s biggest lead was 28 points after a Jacolby Harris free throw with eight minutes to go. The Saints would get back within 16 points with before Butler finished off the victory, winning by 24.
Kyle Steward led Butler with 18 points while Chris Howell had 17, making 7-of-10 free throws. Jacolby Harris and Lamar Wofford had 10 points apiece. Wofford also had 11 rebounds to mark a double-double, giving him five on the season. All but one of Butler’s 11 players scored in the win.
The Grizzlies shot 52 percent from the floor (28-of-54) and made six 3-pointers. Butler also outrebounded Seward 43-23.
The Grizzlies now go on the road for a pair of conference games, as they will play at Dodge City on Wednesday and at Garden City on Saturday. Wednesday’s tipoff against the Conquistadors from the Dodge City Civic Center is at 7:30 p.m.
