Knoch beats Butler 53-41 in boys opener; fourth-quarter drought looms as next game approaches

Butler’s home opener shifts after early tie, as Knoch closes with defense and rebounding

Butler’s boys basketball team opened its home schedule on Dec. 4, 2025, with a 53-41 loss to Knoch, a result that reversed the last time the programs met in January 2021. The defeat dropped Butler to 1-1, while Knoch improved to 2-1.

The game’s turning point came shortly after halftime. Butler erased a six-point deficit by opening the third quarter with a three-pointer and a basket to pull even at 30-30. Knoch responded with a decisive run that pushed the Knights into control for the remainder of the night.

Third-quarter surge and scoreless finish from the field decide outcome

Knoch seized momentum with a 12-2 burst, built on perimeter shooting, second-chance points and interior finishes. By the final minute of the third quarter, the Knights had stretched the lead to 42-32 before Butler hit a late three to end the period down seven.

In the fourth quarter, Butler’s offense stalled completely from the field. The Golden Tornado did not make a field goal in the final eight minutes, a drought that prevented any late push despite entering the quarter within striking distance.

After Butler tied the game early in the second half, Knoch’s extended run created separation that Butler could not erase.

Key numbers: free throws, three-point volume, and second-half rebounding

Knoch’s scoring was spread across multiple contributors. Vincent DeFelice led the Knights with 15 points, while Derek Lang scored 12 and Teegan Finucan added 10. Butler was paced by Stainton Forbes with 11 points; Jaydon Wilbert scored seven and Cael Hanley added six.

• Knoch shot 20-for-46 from the field and 11-for-20 at the foul line.
• Butler went 11-for-46 from the floor and 14-for-17 at the line, but relied heavily on five made three-pointers to stay close early.
• Knoch won the rebounding battle after halftime, out-rebounding Butler by 13 in the second half.

What’s next

Butler’s schedule continues quickly, with a Monday night tip set for 7:30 p.m. Knoch returns to action Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. against New Castle.

For Butler, the immediate focus is restoring half-court efficiency late in games after an extended fourth-quarter drought. For Knoch, the result offered a road win that moved the Knights above .500 early in the season and validated a defensive approach that tightened as the game progressed.