IOLA, Kan. - The Butler women defeated Allen County 43-33 Wednesday night, despite shooting a season-low 27.1 percent from the field.
Butler (16-5 overall, 13-5 conference) hit just 25 percent (8 of 32) in the first half, which helped the Grizzlies to a 22-16 halftime lead. The shooting slightly improved in the second half with 30 percent (8 of 27).
The poor shooting didn't affect the defense, as Butler held Allen to its season-low of 33 points. The Red Devils' previous low on the season was 37, which also came against the Grizzlies back in the Nov. 28 meeting in El Dorado.
Allen held an early 5-4 lead midway through the opening quarter, but Butler managed to grab a 13-9 lead by the end of the quarter. Raegan Sanchez scored four straight points to help the Grizzlies build a 21-14 lead with 4:18 left in the first half.
Butler extended its lead to 11 in the second half, taking a 29-18 lead with 6:12 remaining in the third quarter. From that point, the Grizzlies did not relinquish the lead.
Kendriana Washington was the only Grizzly to score in double figures, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Raven Prince added seven points and six rbounds, while Alecia Gulledge had five points and four steals in the win.
Butler returns to action this Saturday with a 5:30 p.m. home contest against Independence.