In a game that delivered nonstop tension until the final horn, No. 24 Butler (5-1) saw the game slip away in heartbreaking fashion Friday night, falling 61–58 to No. 2 Frederick Douglass (4-0) in a gripping King of the Bluegrass showdown at Fairdale High School.
Butler played with confidence throughout, taking a 39–36 lead into halftime and later pushing the advantage to 52–49 heading into the fourth quarter. The Bears controlled tempo for much of the night and repeatedly answered Frederick Douglass’ runs, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
That finish belonged to the Broncos.
With just over a minute remaining and Butler clinging to a one-point edge, DeMarcus Surratt stepped to the line and calmly knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 58–58. On the very next possession, Surratt attacked the lane and converted the go-ahead basket, giving Frederick Douglass its first lead of the closing stretch.
Butler had multiple chances to respond, but the Broncos’ defense held firm. Frederick Douglass then sealed the outcome at the free-throw line in the final seconds, extending the margin to 61–58 and forcing Butler into a last-second attempt to send the game to overtime.
The final shot wouldn’t fall, ending a contest that featured nine lead changes and eight ties and embodied everything the tournament is known for.
Surratt finished with a game-high 27 points and nine rebounds, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors. Butler was led by Steven Tinsley and Adrian Wilder, who each scored 12 points, as the Bears battled until the final buzzer.
In the end, it was Frederick Douglass’ execution in the final minute that sent them to the quarterfinals where they will meet the winner of North Laurel vs. Lyon County at 9:00pm Saturday. Butler will take on the loser of North Laurel vs. Lyon County in the consolation bracket at 9:00pm Saturday.
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