Story by Kalon Fullerton
The Butler Grizzlies were unable to storm back after an early deficit as they fell to the Barton Cougars, 62-54 in the last game of 2022 at the Power Plant on Monday.
Butler started the game on a 5-0 run before giving up 11 straight points and they just couldn't weather the storm. The Cougars led by as many as 13 points in the second half. The Grizzlies scored 23 points in the fourth quarter and clawed back to within six points in the final minutes, but could get no further as the Grizzlies dropped their second straight contest at the Power Plant.
The Grizzlies were led by a sensational effort by Freddie Wallace, who scored 21 points, her fifth game this season with 20 points or more. Wallace was joined by Maycee James, who was sensational on the glass, finishing with 17 rebounds, a career high for the freshman from Goddard. It's her third game this season with 10 rebounds or more. James also led the team in assists with five, while also putting in seven points.
Butler couldn't shake off a cold shooting night. The Grizzlies shot just 27% as a team and 25% from three point range. Butler was able to turn in 16 points off turnovers as well as 16 points in the paint. Butler received nine bench points, all of which came from Kaylee Nero who was second in scoring for Mike Helmer's squad.
The Grizzlies won the rebounding battle, helped by the sensational night on the boards from James. Butler finished with 39 rebounds as a team, including 19 offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies also forced 17 Cougar turnovers led by Jaila Harding's two steals.
The Grizzlies will end the fall semester at 10-3 and 6-3 in conference play. The Grizzlies will look to snap a two game home losing streak when they start up again in January, as they host Northern Oklahoma Tonkawa at the Power Plant on January fifth.
