The Butler women used a strong surge to start the second half to propel the Grizzlies to a 71-64 non-conference victory over Cowley County on Saturday at the Power Plant.

Butler led early by a 5-1 score, but neither team could create any separation in a tightly-contested, low-scoring first half. A last-second layup by Cowley County allowed the Tigers to tie the game 26-26 at the half.

The Grizzlies controlled the first five minutes of the second half. Jamillah Bonner made consecutive baskets to start the period and Samantha Satterlee scored five straight points and Butler quickly ahead 34-27.

When Katie Anderson made two free throws with 10:48 left in the game, Butler had its largest lead of 17 points at 51-34.

Cowley, which is the preseason pick to win the Jayhawk East Conference, would respond and get within six points late in the contest, but Satterlee would make two more big buckets in the final two minutes and the Grizzlies would hold on for the win.

Butler was led by Jamillah Bonner with another double-double effort with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Shayla Williams had 13 points and Satterlee had 11 points. Cowley's Tonisha Walker led the Tigers with 20 points.

Butler is now 2-0 on the season and will play another home game on Tuesday against Allen County at 5:30 p.m.