The Butler Grizzlies Women's Basketball team was defeated at home for just the second time this season, as they could not overcome a hot shooting Dodge City team, falling 69-53 at the Power Plant on Saturday.
The Conquistadors came into the game after a loss against Garden City that saw them make just two of their three point shots, but they would heat up this afternoon, making 11 shots from behind the arc, and shooting 44% on the night. Dodge City used a 12-0 run to take an eight point lead at the end of the first quarter, a lead they would never relinquish. The Grizzlies trailed by nine points at halftime, and trailed by as many as 18 in the second half, before losing by 16.
Kaylee Nero had a stellar afternoon despite the loss, as she would finish with a season high 21 points to lead the Grizzlies, as well as leading Butler in rebounds with six. She was one of three Butler players to finish in double figures, as Cymirah Williams finished with 10 while Jaila Harding finished with 11. It was a cold shooting night for the Grizzlies, as they shot just 30% from the field, and made only six of their 23 three pointers. Butler also found just 14 points in the paint.
Defensively, the Grizzlies forced 20 Conquistador turnovers and cashed in 17 points off turnovers. Butler won the rebounding battle, finishing with 32 boards, holding Dodge City to just 10 second chance points.
The loss will drop the Grizzlies to 14-7 on the year and 9-7 in conference play. It's the second straight loss for the Grizzlies and their second loss of the season to the Conquistadors, after falling by three in the game at Dodge City in December. Butler will look to snap the losing streak on Monday when they return home to face the Cowley Tigers.