Pratt eventually outlasts Grizzlies in back-and-forth battle

PRATT, Kan. – Butler and Pratt battled back-and-forth throughout the second half before the Beavers emerged victorious in the end, holding on for a 76-66 home win at Lesh Sports Arena on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies took an early 3-0 lead but would fall behind by as many as 12 points at 20-8 with 10 minutes left in the first half. Butler would begin chipping away at the big deficit and eventually grabbed a 25-24 lead after a basket by Sean Osler with 2:55 left in the first half. Pratt would go into halftime leading 32-27.

Butler scored five quick points to tie the game early in the second half and from that point on, the two teams traded baskets for much of the second half. Butler took a one-point lead on several occasions, but each time Pratt would have a shot to go back in front.

It wasn't until Pratt's Trae Beck made a 3-pointer with 1:01 to play in the contest that the Beavers grabbed a two-possession advantage at 66-62.

Sean Osler led Butler with 16 points, while Justin Simmons score 15. Cameron Cornelius scored nine and Andrew Victoria added eight. Pratt's Bryton Hobbs led all scorers with 28 points.

Butler is now 9-18 overall and 3-10 in Jayhawk West Conference play. Pratt is also 3-10 in conference play but holds the tiebreaker with the Grizzlies in a battle for the final playoff spot. Butler returns home to face Cloud County on Saturday at the Power Plant. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.