HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The three-ball was just not there Saturday night for the Blue Dragons (15-9, 9-9) against No. 23 Butler (19-5, 13-5).
Hutchinson (averaging nearly 13 made threes per game over the last eight contests) made one three-pointer in the first half of play on 18 attempts.
In the same 20-minute span, Butler made 2 of 7.
The Grizzlies took a 37-27 advantage into the break before Hutchinson fought back in the second half and started hitting some threes.
Aaron Franklin started a cold 0-6 from distance. He had just four points at halftime on 2-8 shooting.
Franklin made 8 of 11 field goal attempts (including 2 0f 4 three-pointers) in the second half to lead Hutchinson with 24.
Jayden Garrison (15), Kieran Carr (15) and Ra'Sean Frederick (14) also scored in double figures.
Isaiah Williams posted a double-double (24 points, 11 rebounds) for Butler.
Williams was one of four Grizzlies in double digits.
Butler outrebounded Hutchinson 39-28.
Despite shooting 21.9% from three for the game (7-32), Hutchinson closed the Butler lead to four with 58.3 seconds remaining.
Butler went 8 for 8 from the foul line to close the contest.
Butler shot better from the field (58.2%) than the Dragons shot from the charity stripe (52.9%).
FINAL: Butler 87 Hutchinson 80
For the 11th Annual Pink Out, the athletic department presented a check to the Cancer Council of Reno County for $6,750 at halftime of the men's game. Fans also had the opportunity to pledge money for each made three by both Dragon teams Saturday night (13 total). That donation money will be calculated next week.
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