The Butler Grizzlies completed their second sweep of the Cowley Tigers in the last three years as they bounced back from last week's loss to Barton. Dominating in the second half of the penultimate game at the powerplant, the Grizzlies found victory over Cowley 106-69.
The Grizzlies trailed by three at the end of the first quarter but scored 25 points in the second to take a one point lead into the locker room. The team's 50 points scored in the second is the most the Grizzlies have scored in one half in conference play, and the second highest halftime point total of the season. This being behind only their season opening win against Bethany where they scored 51 first half points.
It was all Grizzlies in the third frame, outscoring the Tigers 29-8 to take an 18 point lead that they would hold the rest of the way, as they matched the 106 points scored against Bethany for the highest points total this season.
A grand total of five different Grizzlies finished with double digits, led once again by Freddie Wallace who finished with 24 points. Kaylee Nero had a stellar game off the bench, finishing just behind Wallace with 21, and was just one rebound short of a double-double with nine. Jaila Harding was responsible for all three of the Grizzlies' makes from beyond the three-point line, as she finished with 15, while Maycee James was able to notch her second double-double of the season, leading the Grizzlies with 11 rebounds and finishing with 10 points. Syncere Harrod rounded out the double figure scoring for Butler with 12.
It was a scorching night from the field for Butler as they shot 55% as a team. The Grizzlies made three of their nine three-point attempts and put up 70 points in the paint. The Grizzlies were also able to get 46 points from their bench and notched 23 assists, led by James who had five.
Maycee was just as dominant on the defensive end as well, as she led the Grizzlies in steals with four, while as a team Butler forced 17 steals and 28 Tiger turnovers. The Grizzlies were able to cash in for 26 points off turnovers those. Butler held Cowley to just 26% from the field and dominated on the glass, finishing with 51 rebounds, and outrebounding the Tigers by 29 boards.
The Grizzlies improved to 22-5 on the year and are now 17-5 in conference play. Butler also improved to 19-0 on the year against unranked teams and are now 12-2 at the Power Plant this season with just one home game remaining and having won seven consecutive games in El Dorado.
The Grizzlies will head into their final two regular season contests after Wednesday's victory, heading out west to Garden City for a date with the Broncbusters at Conestoga Arena on Saturday, before rounding out the regular season at home with a game against the Independence Pirates.
