(Interstat) — In a high-scoring G League affair Sunday, the Wisconsin Herd outlasted the visiting Iowa Wolves 107-102 at Oshkosh Arena. The victory improved the Herd’s record to 4-9, while the Wolves fell to 7-6.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final minute with the score tied at 103. After Iowa’s Tristen Newton connected on a deep 3-pointer to knot the game with 45 seconds remaining, Wisconsin’s Mark Sears missed a pull-up jumper on the ensuing possession. Iowa secured the rebound with a chance to take the lead, but John Butler, the Herd’s 7-foot-1 center, delivered the decisive defensive play. With eight seconds left, he emphatically blocked Joan Beringer’s point-blank layup attempt. Cormac Ryan secured the rebound for Wisconsin and was immediately fouled.

Ryan, who finished with 13 points, then calmly sank two free throws with eight seconds on the clock to put Wisconsin ahead 105-103. Following an Iowa timeout, Newton’s potential game-tying 30-foot 3-point attempt missed. Ryan was fouled again and made two more free throws to seal the five-point victory, capping a 7-2 closing run for the Herd over the final 1:21.

The contest was an offensive showcase, featuring 15 lead changes and neither team building a double-digit advantage. Iowa held a narrow 51-49 lead at halftime, but Wisconsin used a 30-point third quarter to take an 79-76 edge into the final period. The Herd maintained that slim margin throughout a tense fourth quarter, setting the stage for the final-minute heroics.

Newton was spectacular in defeat for Iowa, logging a game-high 39 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists in 43 minutes. Enrique Freeman added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Wolves, while Beringer posted 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

Butler, named Wisconsin’s top star, anchored the Herd with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with two assists and two blocks. His final block proved to be the game’s pivotal moment. He was supported by a balanced attack featuring 22 points and six assists from Mark Sears, 19 points from Victor Oladipo and 18 points from Stevie Thompson.

The two teams will meet again Tuesday in Oshkosh for a quick rematch.