By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
BRADFORD, PA – Behind the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s phenomenal season is a cast of selfless, dedicated teammates all thriving behind a ‘win now’ mentality. And while their philosophy of team-first generosity comes without the role of a ‘go to’ guy, the ball seems to end up in one man’s hands the most: Jamarion Butler.
In a week that the Panthers took home wins against Alfred State and Pitt-Greensburg, Butler earned his second Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Player of the Week Award this season, averaging 29 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 assists and 4.5 steals, all while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor over the two-game span.
First, on Wednesday, Butler shot 12-for-15, including 1-for-3 from 3-point range, as he poured on a game-high 27 points. He also recorded a pair of rebounds and assists, three steals and a block as Pitt-Bradford set a new record for points scored in one game – 135 – in a 43-point victory. Three days later, the senior forward tallied his fifth double-double of the season with 31 points and 12 rebounds. In the Panthers’ 14th win, Butler also came away with six steals and three assists.
Fifteen games into the season, Butler is leading the AMCC in points at 23.9 a night, while also averaging 7.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.8 steals a game – second in the conference only to teammate Braylan Salters at 2.9.
With nine games left in the regular season, Pitt-Bradford holds the top spot in the AMCC as the only team left undefeated in conference play at 7-0. Currently in the midst of a six-game win streak, the Panthers’ record stands nearly unblemished at 14-1.
