The Butler Didn’t Do It, Howard wins 2OT Instant Classic

In a game that witnessed several all-time tournament records…some of which are possibly still being checked. It was #1 Seed Howard who survived a courageous and formidable challenge from #8 Butler CC (from nearby El Dorado, KS).

For starters try this…Most OTs in the tournament since 1998. That tournament had 5 OTs.

First double OT since 2007 when Lon Morris beat Three Rivers in triple OT.

Most points scored by both teams in a game.

Butler trailed at the break 48-38 by shooting 28% from the floor (17% from outside the arc.

It got worse before it got better for the Grizzlies. They got behind by 18 before the under 16 media in the second half.

In a game with 15 lead changes and 13 ties, it’s a little confusing to think Butler only lead for 4½ minutes.

It was a hard haul, but BCC finally tied it with just under 9 left at 71.

With rhetoric game tied at 99 and the clock under :10,  Dave Pleasant hit a top of key three on a good pass fron Kuai Deng to put HC up 102-99.

But if complementary fashion, Butler’s Josiah Kirkwood returned the favor draining a buzzer beating three from the downhill edge of the logo. Overtime!

One five minute extra period wasn’t enough to settle things. Both teams posted 14 points.

It was in the second that Howard (31-4) flexed their muscles, winning the second extra period 18-12.

Twin 31 point days from Kuai Deng and Terry Copeland and 26 by Brandon Ivory did most of the damage for the Hawks.

Tying those two for game high honors at 31 was Butler’s Josiah Kirkwood.

The Grizzlies season ends at 25-10 with a Plains District Championship.

Howard will play the winner of #4 Trinity Valley/#21 Northern Oklahoma-Enid on Friday at 5:30.