The Butler Grizzlies women’s basketball team traveled this Saturday, Feb. 24, for their game opposing the Independence Pirates.
This was a disappointing loss because it went to overtime and they had every chance to win, but ultimately let the moment slip away, making their record 20-7.
The Pirates came out with every intention to win. It started off as a remarkably close game. Both teams were prepared for the moment battling it out with big plays by Sophomore Guard as J’unti Franklin. Indy continued to fight and took the lead at one point making it 11-14. However, the Grizzlies battled back and took back the lead ending the quarter 19-17.
The start of the second quarter was the same story, both teams putting points on the board not allowing the other to take a large lead. As the quarter progressed Sophomore Guard Dayuna Colvin hit big shots giving the Grizzlies a bigger lead. The Grizzlies did not get complacent and kept adding but the Pirates answered back just as quickly
Towards the end of the quarter Freshman forward Tiana Winn made amazing plays with an offensive rebound and an incredible layup in the same breath as the buzzer hit signaling halftime. Both teams went to their respective locker rooms, with a three-point lead for Butler, 37-3.
The third quarter was prolific for the Grizzlies. They expanded the score with big shots from numerous players. At one point the lead was eight points, but the Pirates did not say their last word. Their guard fought hard to keep them in the game and reduced the disparity to two points, making the score 51-49.
The Grizzlies should have taken the lead in the fourth quarter, but they were complacent and allowed the Pirates to stay in the game. The Grizzlies dominated the game, but they allowed Independence to always creep back and make the game close. A couple of turnovers and missed shots by the Grizzlies late in the fourth took this game to overtime at 65-65.
In overtime the Grizzlies only scored two buckets, the complacency from previous quarters came back to haunt them. Independence went on a big streak and eventually winning the game. Although disheartening, the Grizzlies are still in playoff contention as they prepare to host Pratt Community College at the Power Plant on Wednesday, Feb. 28.