On the verge of knocking off the 21st team in the country, the Barton Community College men's basketball team missed opening the opportunity door multiple times late Monday night at the Barton Gym in dropping a heartbreaking 60-59 loss hosting Butler Community College.

The Cougars led for over 27 minutes, including owning a twelve point late first half lead, but surrendered a pivotal two minute, eight point stretch in fighting from behind in the final four minutes. Barton's defense helped create opportunities to stay in the game and regain the lead but the final chance with 2.7 seconds left were a pair of rimmed out free throws leaving the Cougars on the wrong side of the one point loss.

Barton will have over three weeks to regroup in concluding the fall portion of the schedule at 2-6 in conference play and 8-6 on the season while Butler improves to 6-3 in league and 11-3 overall.

The Cougars' next action is Wednesday, January 5, hosting Seward County Community College in a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

The season low scoring output came on a season second worst 36.2% shooting (21-58) and making just 2-of-17 from long range for season low 11.8%. Despite missing the late potential free throws, the Cougars made 15-of-19 on the night for a season second best 78.9%.

Defensively Barton was tough as it has been all season, holding the Grizzlies to just 29.5% shooting, 4-of-20 from long range. The Grizzlies connected on five more free throws (20-29) while gaining a plus-8 on second chance scoring in grabbing 13 offensive rebounds for a plus-2 on the glass in just the second time of the year the Cougars got outrebounded.

Cougar Downing led the Barton scoring for the fifth straight game, finishing with 15 points as the lone Cougar in double digits. Modibo Sanogo added 9 points and six rebounds, Hannes Saar and Evans Kipruto with 8 points each, and De'Antray Hughes grabbing a team high 8 rebounds.

Marque English led a trio of Grizzlies in double digits with 15 points including a marksman 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Eden Holt added 13 points with Jaden Okon contributing 12 points as the duo combined for 10-of-14 from the free throw line.