Story by Kalon Fullerton, Butler Athletics

The Butler Grizzlies won two consecutive games for the first time since December, dominating the Northwest Tech Mavericks and winning, 81-53, in the final regular season home game at the Power Plant on Monday.

After giving up the first two points of the game, Butler responded by going on a 10-0 run and they never looked back. The Grizzlies made 14 of their 18 shots in the first quarter and were able to build a 14 point lead after one quarter, and the rest was academic. Butler scored 51 points in the first half and were able to cruise through the second in route to the victory.

Butler was led by Kaylee Nero's 20 points off the bench, and Syncere Harrod and Jaila Harding also pitched in, scoring 13 and 10 respectively. The Grizzlies were a totally different team than the one who struggled offensively in the last three games, as they finished the game at 45% from the field. They made more threes than in the previous two games combined, finishing with four. They also got 54 points in the paint and 41 bench points to pad the lead.

The Grizzlies stifled Northwest defensively, holding the Mavs to 31% from the field, and forcing 15 turnovers. The Grizzlies had the overwhelming advantage on the glass, outrebounding Northwest, 45-27. Nero led the team on the boards, finishing with nine. The Grizzlies also held the Mavs to just five second chance points, giving up only seven offensive rebounds.

The Grizzlies' win puts them back over .500 in conference play, putting them at 17-11 overall and 12-11 in Jayhawk play. They'll try to keep the momentum going headed into postseason play as they travel to Independence to play the Pirates for the final regular season game.