Tyler Godwin
Student Sports Media
Freshman Russell Smith racked up a double worth bragging about on Saturday, Feb. 17, with 23 points and 20 boards to help lift Butler over the Pratt Beavers in an 88-84 victory in the Power Plant.
The Beavers took a 5-3 lead early before Butler went on a 5-0 run to go ahead 8-5.
When the game was tied up at 14-14, back to back 3-pointers from sophomore Tevin Berry gave Butler a six point, 20-14 lead over the beavers with 12:28 left in the first half.
Butler kept the lead close for the rest of the half, despite Pratt gaining within two multiple times.
The lead was raised to 10 with 3:44 left in the first, after back to back buckets from Smith and sophomore Ketarrious Bouchum. A quick jumper from freshman Justin Criddle extended the lead at 40-32.
The Beavers started the second half shooting hot and took a 48-46 lead. The score was traded back and forth before Smith jumper put the lead at 75-74 with 4:42 left.
Pratt tied the game up at 81 all after a trey from Asem Johnson with just over a minute left, before a 3-pointer from sophomore Jared Armstrong put the 84-81 lead in Butler’s favor.
Pratt would hit another three to get within two points. The Beavers had another chance to win the game with the clock winding down, but a missed 3-pointer cut their chances short.
Smith corralled the rebound with .1 seconds left and was sent to the line to shoot free throws before the game ended.
Along with Smith’s impressive outing, the Grizzlies got 22 from Bouchum and 10 from Armstrong.
