By Cody Morris
The Butler Bears traveled to the Stockton Tournament, searching to find a highlight in round 2. The Bears ran into a juggernaut in round 1 in Chadwick, and in round two they would face a solid 10-3 Lockwood team.
Lockwood won the tip and would strike first with an interior basket from Parker that would spark an 11-0 run for the Tigers. Payne would finally hit a triple to get the Bears on the board. In the first quarter the Bears stuggled offensively, with a score of 15-5 after 1.
Contreras opened the 2nd period with a bucket for the Tigers, after which both teams would trade buckets back and forth. The Bears were able to find a little more rhythm in the 2nd, as they went on a quick 5-0 run to end the period, jumpstarted by a deep ball off the hands of Delozier. Butler trailed Stockton 31-18 at the half.
In the 2nd half, the Tigers stretched their lead with an opening 9-0 run. Payne would end the drought for the Bears with another 3 pointer. In the 3rd, the Lockwood Tigers outscored the Butler Bears 15-6 and took a 46-24 lead into the final 8 minutes.
The Tigers would continue to dominate in the 4th, and close out the game strong with a 57-38 victory.
Chandler led the Bears with 12 points on the night. Philips for Butler had a great game, logging 14 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Thieman, for Lockwood, led all scores with 30 points.
The Bears had a handful of young kids gain some experience and plenty of minutes as the Bears are still down 3 starters due to injury.
