Butler men hold off Hesston in 103-92 home win

The Butler men eclipsed the century mark in scoring for the third time in as many games this season, holding off a determined Hesston squad in a 103-92 win on Wednesday at the Power Plant.

Butler, now 3-0, is averaging 123 points per game. While the Grizzlies have won all three games by double digits, Wednesday's game was a competitive contest throughout.

Butler led 11-6 early on before Hesston went on an 11-2 run, taking their biggest lead at 17-13 after a 3-pointer by Aubrey Johnson with 14:44 to play in the first half.

Butler would regain the lead, only to see the game tied three different times. Butler got a layup from Antferene Adams and a 3-pointer by Tevin Berry and Butler led 33-28 with 8:20 to go in the half.

Butler would not trail again, going up by as many as eight points before taking a 44-40 lead at the break.

The Grizzlies went on a run to start the second half, and after another 3-pointer from Berry, his third of the game, Butler was up 62-48 with 15:17 to go.

The lead would stretch to as many as 18 points at 76-58 with 9:38 remaining.

Hesston wouldn't go away, and chipped away at Butler's lead. A flurry of scoring cut the lead to 91-88 with 4:04 to go.

Jared Armstrong made back-to-back layups to push the lead back to 95-89 with 2:58 to go. Hesston would get within three points on one more occasion, but Butler finally pulled away late.

Butler once again had balanced scoring. Six players were in double figures, including all five starters. Adrian Moore had 16 points, while Jared Armstrong and Anthony Bratton had 14 apiece.

Butler shot 51 percent from the floor (36-71) and 46 percent from 3-point range (10-22). Butler doubled up Hesston in rebounds, 46-23.

After going 3-0 against non-conference opponents, Butler now opens Jayhawk Conference play with a home game on Saturday against Garden City (4-0) at 7:30 p.m.