The Butler women put up their highest-scoring quarter of the season on their way to a 105-56 victory over Colby on Monday at the Colby Community Building.
The Grizzlies scored 37 points in the third quarter alone, eclipsing the previous high of 32 points scored in a quarter twice this season – once at home against Bethel JV and once on the road in the fourth quarter at Cowley.
Butler also put up 31 points in the first quarter. It is the first time this season that Butler has put up 30 or more points in two different quarters in the same game.
The win give Butler (20-9 overall, 17-9 Jayhawk Conference) it's 20th win of the season, which marks the eighth straight year in which Butler has won 20 or more games. It also gives the Grizzlies the fifth seed in the upcoming Region VI Tournament. Butler will have a first-round home game, taking on Allen County at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.
Butler was hot from the start at Colby, reeling off the first 14 points of the game before Colby was able to get on the board. The Grizzlies continued to pump in the points, keyed by a defensive effort that led to a slew of layups on the offensive end.
Butler led 31-15 after one quarter and then led 50-22 at halftime.
Butler then dominated the third quarter, outscoring Colby 37-13. By that time, Butler led 87-35. The Grizzlies then cruised through the fourth, emptying the bench on the way to the 49-point victory.
Taylor Birch had a career night for the Grizzlies, pumping in 26 points as she was 7-9 from 3-point range. She scored 11 in the third quarter. Her previous high had been 18 points against Hesston in November.
Awreona Ransom scored 12 points while Ericka Mattingly, Kyla Callins and Jaiden Easter scored 11 points apiece. It is a career-high for Easter, who scored in double digits for the first time in her collegiate career.
