(KJCCC) March 11, 2023 WICHITA, Kan. – The Barton women and the Butler men advanced to their respective national tournaments next week, as each team won "The Wichita Regional."

Both basketball squads had difficult roads to reach their finals. Friends University hosted the 2023 Division I semifinals and finals, with the Barton opening play on Friday versus Mike Helmer's Butler Grizzlies. Barton prevailed 59-43, and moved in to the final to face Coffeyville. Barton survived 60-56 and earned the right to cut down the net in Garvey Gym.

On the men's side, Butler's route went through conference champion Dodge City, winning the semifinal 80-77. Butler faced a hot Barton squad in the final, and won 73-69 in a thriller.

The Dodge City women also qualified for the national tournament as an at-large selection, getting the 13-seed.

Barton moves on to Lubbock TX and the 16-seed in the women's national tournament, where their opening round opponent is 17-seed Moberly MO.

The Butler men are the 10-seed, and open play in the national tournament in Hutchinson versus Roane St. Dodge City also qualified for the tourney with an at-large berth, and are the 13-seed.