Howard College outlasts Butler Community College in double-overtime thriller, 134-128

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Howard College Hawks (Texas) defeated the Butler Community College Grizzlies (Kansas) 134-128 in double overtime Wednesday, March 25, in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men's Basketball Championship at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Howard College, the No. 1 seed with a 29-4 record entering the tournament, secured its spot by winning the NJCAA Southwest District Tournament. Butler Community College entered as the No. 8 seed with a 24-9 record, having qualified through the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference and the NJCAA Plains District Tournament.

The game pitted Howard's size and interior dominance against Butler's relentless full-court pressure defense. The Hawks relied on a post-up game complemented by outside shooting, while the Grizzlies used quickness and end-to-end pressure throughout. Howard's length hindered Butler's drives to the basket, forcing the Grizzlies to depend on perimeter shooting. At times, Butler's pressure disrupted Howard's offense, resulting in numerous tipped and intercepted passes. The Grizzlies forced 31 turnovers.

The statistical contrast was stark. Howard had 84 points in the paint compared to 50 for Butler, and the Hawks shot 64.9% from the field versus the Grizzlies' 39.6%. Butler's defensive attack generated 40 points off turnovers, compared to 19 for Howard. The Grizzlies were exceptional from the free-throw line, converting 37 of 38 attempts.

The score was close through the first eight minutes before Howard went on a 10-point run to build a 12-point lead. The Hawks maintained that advantage for the remainder of the first half, leading 48-38 at the break.

Howard extended its lead to 18 points at the 16:41 mark of the second half before Butler responded with an intense six-minute defensive stretch, trimming the deficit to one. The Hawks regained control and rebuilt a nine-point lead, but the Grizzlies kept fighting back. Butler sophomore Josiah Kirkwood dramatically tied the game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending it to overtime.

The first overtime mirrored the closing minutes of the second half, with each team playing to its strengths. The Grizzlies disrupted Howard possessions for transition points, while the Hawks converted on layups and dunks in the lane.

In the second overtime, fatigue became a factor. Both teams had lost key players to fouls, including their leading scorers. Howard built a five-point lead and held on to win.

Howard freshman Kuai Deng delivered a triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, including six baskets from the lane in the second overtime. Freshman Terry Copeland matched Deng's scoring total with 31 points and added 11 rebounds. Sophomore Elijah Tshibangu contributed 14 points.

For Butler, sophomore Kirkwood led all scorers with 31 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line and making three of six 3-point attempts. He also had four rebounds and two steals. Freshman Tristan Hankins added 27 points, and freshman Tim Walker II contributed 17 points along with a game-high six steals.

With the victory, Howard College improved to 31-4 and advances to the semifinals Friday evening, where the Hawks will face No. 4 seed Trinity Valley Community College and No. 4 seed Southern Idaho College, the defending 2025 national champions. Butler Community College concluded its season at 25-10.