The No. 16 Butler women's basketball team (6-0, 5-0) showed the country why they are ranked as one of the top teams in the NJCAA with their 24-point blowout win on the road over No. 23 Seward Thursday night in Liberal, KS.
"I am so proud of how the girls followed the scouting report in such a quick turnaround with the shifting of the game date," said head coach Mike Helmer. "I am really happy with how we have started this season, but we must keep getting better."
Butler remains undefeated on the season at 6-0, 5-0 in KJCCC play and continued their winning streak dating back to last season, now at 12-straight and have not lost in the last 367 days. This is the fourth time in the last five meetings that the Grizzlies have been victorious over the Seward Saints.
The Grizzlies had five players score in double figures and two posted double doubles in the win. Tamara Nard had her best game of the season scoring a team high 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. She also had three assist and two blocks in her 22 minutes of play. In her first start of the year, freshman Cymirah Williams, who has put together some nice stat lines all season, had a career high 17 rebounds in the game while adding in 11 points. Carissa Beck went 3-4 from 3PT range and scored 14 points and had eight boards, a season high for her on the glass. Skyla Knight and Paris Mullins finished with 11 points each in the big win.
Leading the NJCAA in FG% defense, the Grizzlies stuck what they know which is not letting teams shoot the ball well, even if it is in their own gym. Butler held the Saints to shooting 25% from the floor on the night and going 12-54 from 3PT.
Butler was just 24-45 from the free throw line but connected on 38% of their shots from the floor. They finished 6-14 from 3PT range. The Grizzlies committed a season high 28 turnovers but also forced 25 Saints turnovers. The outrebounded the Saints 73-39 in the win.
NEXT UP: Butler will host Barton on Wednesday, February 17 at 5:30pm in the Power Plant in El Dorado, KS. This will be the first women's game that we are able to allow 25% seating capacity in the gym. For mor information on fan/ticketing protocols click HERE.
