Grizzlies fall in Region VI semifinal game; first tournament loss since 2017-18 season

It was a tough shooting night for the No. 9-ranked Grizzlies as they scored a season low 49-points and fell in the semifinal round of the Region VI Tournament 53-49 to the Barton Cougars.

It is the first Region VI Tournament loss for Butler since March 5, 2018 as the Grizzlies have won the last two titles.

Barton came out hot making four threes in the first quarter and another thee in the second while holding Butler to 29% shooting to take a 30-23 halftime lead.

Butler closed the gap to four-points on two separate occasions in the third quarter, but a banked three and a layup would keep the Grizzlies from getting any closer and Barton held a six-point, 40-34 lead going into the final stanza.

The Grizzlies had their chances late fighting back within two under three minutes to play but two missed free throws to tie the game gave Barton back the ball and they made Butler pay scoring on the other end to take the game back to four. Two late threes from Mekayla Furman and Carissa Beck gave the Grizzlies one last chance but made free throws from the Cougars would seal the victory 53-49 and end the Grizzlies chance at the three-peat of the Region VI Tournament. 

Mekayla Furman led in the scoring department finishing with 14 points and the only Grizzly in double figures. Tamara Nard had a game high 15 rebounds and eight points while Paris Mullins finished with eight points and six rebounds.

Butler had a season low 49 points shooting a season low 27% from the floor. They finished just 3-19 from behind the arc and connect on only 53% of their free throws. Butler outrebounded Barton 50-45 and forced 14 Cougar turnovers.

The Grizzlies finish the season KJCCC East Champions and had a 20-3 overall record. They will tune in on Sunday as the NJCAA will announce the At-Large selections for the NJCAA Div. I Women's National Tournament, of which the Grizzlies hope to be one of the eight selected to participate.