Dodge City men's basketball ended their run in the Region VI tournament falling in a tough semifinals contest to Butler 80-77.
The loss moves the Conquistadors to 23-9 on the season and now puts the #13 Conqs' future in the hands of the selection committee for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament as the Conqs will hope for an at-large bid.
The Conqs opened the game by snagging the advantage early going up 8-2 over the first four minutes of the contest but by the 12:39 mark, the game was tied up as Butler tied the contest at 12-12. The Grizzlies of Butler would then swing the lead their way growing it to double figures with just over five and a half minutes remaining in the first half. It was an 8-0 run by the Conqs to finish the first half including a
Jason Edwards three-pointer and offensive rebound putback by
Cam Malray to draw the Conqs to within two at intermission trailing just 33-31. For the first handful of minutes in the second half, the contest remained close however Butler put a surge together and worked the lead to double figures, as high as 18 points. The Conqs would make several runs to chip away at the deficit and had it within four with 3:22 left in the contest. With just under one and a half minutes left in the contest the Conqs knotted up the game at 75-75 and down 80-77 with seconds left would have an opportunity for the tie but would be unable to get a shot off before the buzzer, falling 80-77.
The Conqs in the loss shot 43.1% from the floor but only 16-30 from the free throw line, while having 15 turnovers, but did win the rebound battle 43-32. Butler countered with 43.4% shooting and 23-33 from the free throw line and had 11 turnovers.
DJ Jones had a strong game finishing with 26 points on 10-16 shooting and added eight rebounds, while
Chris Robinson chipped in 18 points with four rebounds and four assists.
The Conqs now await the NJCAA Division I selection show on Sunday at 6:00 pm on the NJCAA Network to see if they earn an at-large bid to the NJCAA DI National Tournament in Hutchinson.
