EL DORADO, Kan. – Thursday Night the Grizzlies were back in action as they played host to the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes. The result was a contest that mirrored that home opener as the Grizzlies came away victorious by a final tally of 66-57.
The Grizzlies (2-0) weathered the early barrage of long range shots by the Coyotes to take a 26-22 halftime lead into the locker room. KWU connected on 10 of their 29 attempts from deep.
The theme of the second half for Butler was forcing turnovers which created easy scoring opportunities on the other end. The Grizzlies forced 29 Coyote turnovers en route to the victory.
"I felt our players did a great job of playing together and sticking to the plan," said Head Coach Mike Helmer. "I think we learned a little more about what we have and what our team is capable of becoming."
Leading the way for Butler was freshman point guard Jamillah Bonner who finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds. In addition, to being the leading scorer for the Grizzlies, Bonner had no turnovers in the game. Also entering the score book was Jordyn Tolefree with nine, Imari Lyons and Samantha Satterlee seven apiece, Asia Watson with six, April Miller and Destiny Whitehead with five apiece and Tysia Manuel, Mia Wesley, Christy Couey and Kiara O'Neal each with three points.
"This time of year it's all about learning and getting better as a team," Helmer said. "We have to prepare our freshman to play like upper classmen by the time conference gets here."
Butler returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 8 in the Power Plant as Jayhawk Eastern Conference foe Independence Community College comes to town. Tip time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.