Just eight days after a tough two-point loss on the road to Northern Oklahoma College- Enid, the Butler women's basketball team got their revenge with a 76-69 win over the No. 17 ranked Jets.
The Grizzlies came out strong to start the game with a big post presence from Tamera Nard and 4-4 three-point shooting from Camille Downs and RaVon Nero as Butler scored 28 first quarter points while holding Enid to just 19.
Enid settled in and started to do what they are known for and that is hit the deep ball. The Jets connected on 4-6 from three-point range, making three in a row during a stretch and outscoring the Grizzlies 17-10 in the quarter. Butler held a 38-36 lead heading into the break.
The third quarter saw both teams get careless with the ball as Butler turned the ball over seven times to Enid's eight. The hot shooting hands of the Jets cooled off in the third as Butler held them to 22% from deep in the quarter. Jaelynn McLaurian made the most of her time in the third quarter scoring three straight baskets for Butler with two jump shots and a three-pointer extending the Butler lead to eight, 47-39. The Grizzlies would maintain and take a five-point, 57-52 lead into the final quarter.
RaVon Nero took over in the fourth quarter scoring 12 of her 28 points holding off the Jets late surge to give Butler the 76-69 win. The Grizzlies sealed the win making 12-16 free throws in the final 10-minutes while keeping the Jets FG percentage to 29%.
"We improved a lot from the last time we played them," said head coach Mike Helmer in his post game interview. "We still need to be more consistent with our smart plays. We looked much better on both sides of the ball tonight. It was an improvement from the group, so I am really happy with that."
RaVon Nero posted her seventh double figure scoring game and third game of 20+ plus finishing the night with 28 points. She went 10-15, making three three-pointers in the contest. She added in five rebounds along with three steals and a block. Camille Downs finished with 17 points and five boards with three steals and two assists. Tamara Nard scored 14 points, her sixth consecutive game in double figures. Dana Johnson and Jaelynn McLaurian both added seven apiece.
Butler shot 51% from the floor connecting on 7-15 from three-point range and made 17-24 free throws. They outrebounded the Jets 31-24 while forcing 17 Enid turnovers.
This game wraps up the non-conference schedule with the Grizzlies (7-3) turning their attention to KJCCC play and the Seward Saints. The Grizzlies will travel to Liberal, KS on Tuesday, November 26 to face the Saints at 5:00pm.
