Butler Picks Up Huge Conference Win at Independence

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. – The No. 17 Butler Grizzlies earned a hard‑fought 93–88 road win over Independence on Wednesday night in a physical Jayhawk Conference matchup.

With the victory, Butler improves to 17–7 overall and 13–5 in conference play, while Independence drops to 14–10 (12–7 KJCCC).

The game lived up to the league's reputation for physicality. The teams combined for 81 free‑throw attempts and 59 total fouls. Butler finished 28-for-37 at the line, while Independence went 32-for-44.

The contest featured 12 ties and eight lead changes, with the score knotted at 44–44 at halftime. Butler shot 45.5% in the opening half (15-for-33) and hit 5-of-10 from three. Independence shot just 35.5%, but stayed afloat by converting 22-of-27 free throws before the break. Butler's biggest first‑half issue came from turnovers, committing 16.

The Grizzlies settled in after halftime, turning the ball over only five times in the final 20 minutes.

Butler built a 10‑point lead with 12:28 remaining, but Independence continued to battle, trimming the margin to 75–71 with 7:49 left. The Pirates later tied the game at 86–86 with 2:49 to go.

On the ensuing possession, Amare Jones was fouled and calmly knocked down two free throws to put Butler back in front with 2:19 remaining.

Leading 91–88 in the final seconds, Butler forced two missed three‑point attempts after an Independence timeout with 20 seconds left. The Pirates fouled Josiah Kirkwood with one second remaining, and he sank both free throws to seal the win.

For the game, Butler shot 28-for-73 from the field and 9-for-24 from deep. Independence finished 26-for-65 (40%). The Grizzlies also controlled the boards, outrebounding the Pirates 54–46.

Kirkwood followed up his career night against Garden City by setting a new career high with 24 points, going 13-for-17 at the free‑throw line. Devin Kerr was relentless on the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds. Aiven Riley added 14 points, AJ Pierre‑Jerome scored 11 off the bench, and freshman Odie Williams contributed 10 points and five rebounds.

Butler remains in first place in the Jayhawk Conference at 13–5, with Independence and Barton sitting at 12-7.

Next Up: The Grizzlies return to the Power Plant on Saturday to face Seward County at 4 p.m. Butler looks to avenge its 130–110 loss to the Saints in Liberal on December 13.