Hot Start Helps No. 18 Butler to Road Win at Seward

LIBERAL, Kan. – A strong first quarter led the No. 18-ranked Butler women's basketball squad to a 73-60 victory over Seward at The Greenhouse on Wednesday evening.

Butler (17-3, 11-3 KJCCC) sweeps the regular season series from the Lady Saints (12-9, 8-7 KJCCC) and has won its last two games in Liberal.

The Grizzlies out-rebounded Seward 50-37. Butler knocked down 20 of 27 free throws (74.1%) to the Lady Saints 13 of 18 (72.2%). Butler hit just one three in the game (1-7), courtesy of freshman Alba Cunill. Seward shot 3-15 from range.

Freddie Wallace finished with 23 points and eight rebounds for Butler. Tiana Winn had a strong showing with a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double, also adding three blocks. Randi Harding totaled 11 points and three rebounds and Maycee James had seven points, five rebounds and three steals.

Seward was led by Ari Gordon with 15 points and Allie Myers with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The first quarter was all Grizzlies as they closed it with a 10-point lead at 21-11. They outscored Seward just 52-49 the rest of the way with the game closer than the final score would show.

Butler returns home to the Power Plant on Saturday, hosting Coffeyville (14-7, 9-6 KJCCC) at 2 p.m. The Grizzlies defeated the Red Ravens earlier this season 68-50 at Nellis Hall on Nov. 29th.