The 17th ranked Butler Grizzlies were dominant in all categories and cruised to a 117-24 win over the Friends University JV squad at the Power Plant on Wednesday, improving to 3-0 on the year.
Butler opened the first quarter on a 13-3 run, before Friends scored the next five points to close the gap. They would not score again in the quarter, as the Grizzlies would go on a 25-0 run, holding the Falcons scoreless for nearly 10 minutes across the first and second quarters. Butler gave up just three points in the second quarter and did not give up a field goal, as they'd take a 58-11 lead into the locker room. The second half was mostly academic, but Butler continued to stifle the Falcons, giving up just 13 points in the half, cruising to the 93 point victory.
For the second time in three games all 12 players scored in the win. Six players reached double digits, and Cymirah Williams led all scorers with 18 points. Emily Mandamin came off the bench to score 17, and Mallory Cowman was close behind with 16. Butler's bench contributed 59 points, and the Grizzlies shot 60% as a team, and shot a decent 5-16 from three point range. Butler passed the ball well, as the team accounted for 36 assists. Cameren Downs led the team in assists with 10.
But it was the defensive effort that fueled the victory, as the Grizzlies held the Falcons to 19% from the field, and Friends made just eight baskets the entire game. Butler forced an astounding 47 turnovers, and cashed in 66 points off of those turnovers. Mackenzie Carter led the team in steals with five, and the team would combine for 28. The Grizzlies outrebounded the Falcons 47-18 and gave up just 6 points in the paint.
It's been a dominant homestand for the Grizzlies, outscoring their opponents 309-126 in the opening three games. Butler has shot 54% to start the season and they've averaged 103 points per game during the three wins.
Butler will hit the road for the first time this season, heading to Oklahoma for back to back games this weekend against Northern Oklahoma-Enid and Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, respectively.
