EL DORADO, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (15-0, 9-0) used clutch free-throw shooting in the final 13 seconds to fend off Butler (11-3, 6-3) and hand the Grizzlies their first loss at home this season.
Hailey Jackson and Jada Pleasant went 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final seconds to secure Hutchinson's 57-53 victory.
The Dragons led by as many as nine in the first half and took a 25-17 advantage into halftime.
Butler quickly erased that lead with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter.
The Grizzlies then used a six-point possession to build a four-point advantage late in the third.
Katie Duncan was called for her second foul and slammed the ball to the floor in frustration.
Butler made the technical free throws and bonus free throws before Kenzie Galliart capped off the opportunity with a layup.
Hutchinson regained a two-point lead headed into the final frame.
The game featured eight lead changes and eight ties, despite the Dragons leading for 29 minutes and four seconds.
A Keegan Yarick basket with 14 seconds left pulled Butler within two before Hutchinson iced the game at the line.
FINAL: Hutchinson 57 Butler 53
The Dragons have won 52-games straight, 37 in conference play.
Jackson led the Dragons with 17 points and six rebounds.
Landon Forbes added 10 points while Madi Denison scored eight and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Yarick and Galliart combined for 35 points.
Hutchinson is on the road Saturday at Pratt for a 2 p.m. tipoff.