El Dorado, KS -- Tied at 73 with 2:20 to play on the road against Butler, the Reivers had positioned themselves once again to post a come from behind win in the games later stages. However, unlike the Reivers previous 3 comeback wins, they missed on a few key opportunities to take the lead, while Butler then converted from the foul line late to hold off a very game Iowa Western, 81-73; falling just short of sweeping the two game series this season against the Grizzlies.
Both teams started of with fine shooting performances in the games opening moments. Iowa Western serged ahead with 5 minutes to go before the half by six, but the home team from Kansas closed the Reiver lead to a single point 40-39, by the half after a half court shot at the buzzer found the bottom of the net for Butler. The second half found the Grizzlies taking the early advantage, and with 7:26 to play say Butler on top by it's largest advantage of the contest of ten points. In typical fashion with this season's Reiver team; Iowa Western began to climb back into the game, trimming the lead to four points within a mere two minute frame. The Reivers would capture the lead with 3:25 to go, and from there the game drew even, at the aforementioned 73-73 moment.
Iowa Western was led by Josiah Strong's 23 point effort; while Caleb Huffman (15pts - 5 assists) and Seneca Louis (10pts - 8 rebounds) rounded out the double figure scores for the Reivers.
The game marks the end of an early stretch of games on the road for the Reivers having played 6 of their opening 8 games of the season on the road, and welcome some time now in the confines of Reiver Arena. Iowa Western will begin a 6 game homestand in Council Bluffs, starting with the Holiday Inn / Hampton Inn Reiver Classic this Friday and Saturday. Iowa Western will open up the classic against Des Moines Area on Friday (11/22). Tip time between the Reivers and Bears is slated for 7:00pm at Reiver Arena.