Butler opens conference play with 82-39 route of Trojans

The Butler Grizzlies opened conference play with a dominating victory over the Colby Trojans, leading the entire way en route to a 82-39 victory at the Power Plant on Wednesday and winning their 23rd-straight game over Colby.

The Grizzlies used a 21-9 run in the second quarter and a 22-8 third quarter to salt the game away. Butler never trailed in the second half, outscoring the Trojans 48-18 in the final two quarters.

Butler was lead by Kaylee Nero who had 15 points, a new season high for the sophomore. Colby had no answer for her inside, as she put the Trojans in early foul trouble and was able to dominate, as she went 5-7 from the free throw line. Freddie Wallace had another solid night, finishing with 10 points. Wallace led the team in rebounds as well, finishing with eight boards.

Despite a cold night from three point range, Butler was able to get inside the paint whenever they wanted, ending the night with 52 points in the paint and shooting 43% from the field. The Grizzlies earned 26 offensive rebounds which they turned into 23 second chance points. Butler was also helped by 35 bench points.

The Grizzlies held the Trojans to just 28% from the field and 2-12 from three point range. Butler forced 33 Trojan turnovers, which they turned into 42 points off turnovers. Dayuna Colvin and Maycee James each had four steals.

Butler continues their unbeaten start, improving to 5-0 and they start their conference season off well, going 1-0 in Jayhawk play. With the victory, the Grizzlies have now won 23-straight games over the Trojans, with their last loss coming in 2008. Next up for Butler is a weekend trip to Liberal as they continue conference action with a matchup with the Seward Saints on Saturday at 2:00pm in the Greenhouse.