It was a historic night as the No. 9 Butler women's basketball team (11-0, 10-0) lit up the Power Plant last night setting a new Butler Women's Basketball school record in most points scored in a game (120) as well as most field goals made in a game (49) as they defeated the Neosho Panthers to remain undefeated on the season.
"I just kept telling the team to stay focused and be really good at what we do," said head coach Mike Helmer. "Don't worry about the scoreboard just do what we do best and everything else will take care of itself and tonight it did."
Butler got off to a hot start with the help of 13 first quarter points from Tamara Nard, who finished with a game high 21 points. Butler continued their tough defense holding Neosho to 21% shooting in the first quarter which would set the tone the rest of the game.
"We knew coming in that they shoot a lot of shots and shoot them quick, so we focused on being great on defense for five to seven seconds and then be great on the glass," commented Helmer.
Butler scored 57 first half points while holding the Panther to just 30. The game was put away in the third quarter as Butler outscored Neosho 32-7, which gave them a 51-point cushion heading into the final stanza. The Grizzlies had their best scoring quarter of the year, scoring 32 points breaking the old record of 116 scored on November 25, 2014 vs Central Nebraska. A Maddie Livingston three-pointer set the stage but then it was a Syncere Harrod steal, layup and a foul that tipped Butler over the edge on the new school record.
Tamara Nard finished with a game high 21 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two assists in just 16 minutes of play. KJCCC 'Player of the Week' Skyla Knight scored 18 points in the win giving her back-to-back 18 point performances. Mekayla Furman had her best game of the season posting 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. Kaylee Nero came alive late finishing with 14 points, six boards and three steals. Paris Mullins neared her first double-double of the season with 13 points and nine rebounds and three assists. Cameren Downs was the other Grizzly in double figures scoring 10 points with six assists.
All 12 Butler players who touched the court scored 4+ points and 2+ rebounds. The team posted a season high 29 assists while out rebounding the Panthers 59-36. Butler scored 80 points in the paint while holding Neosho to only 12 inside points. Butler finished the night shooting 53% from the floor and kept the Panthers at bay holding them to 24% from the floor and 13-53 (25%) from deep.
"We shared the ball well, our defense got us out in transition, and we finished well at the rim and now we can see the reward from that effort," finished Helmer.
NEXT UP: The Grizzlies are back on the road on Saturday, March 6th as they travel to Iola, KS for the first of two games this season with the Red Devils of Allen. Tip-off is slated for 2:00pm.
NOTES: Set a new school record for most points scored in a game (120)… New school record for most FG's made in a single game (49)…26th consecutive win over Neosho dating back to the 2001-02 season… All 12 players scored…Season high 29 assists.
