butler grizzlies basketball dominate's the independence pirates

The Butler Grizzlies had an amazing day, the women’s team continued their win streak 106-55 and the men’s team returned to their winning ways by dominating the Independence Pirates on Saturday, Feb. 15 in a 118-63 blowout.  

The Grizzlies women's basketball team played against the Pirates and the story was very similar to the men’s basketball game. In a fast-paced and physical first half, the Butler women's basketball team built a commanding 50-25 lead over Independence, fueled by an outstanding performance from freshman guard Destiny Smith who had 36 points.  

The first quarter started with both teams scoring and exchanging points; however, towards the end of the quarter with three minutes left, the game got out of hand as the Grizzlies went on an 18-6 point run to close the first quarter. The second quarter was very similar to the first, a dominating effort by the Grizzlies.  

Freshman guard Ashley Singhateh who had an amazing game as well, ended up with 20 points, Singhateh did not miss a shot from the field, 7-7, and 5-6 from the free throw line, with six assists (team high).  

In the third quarter the Grizzlies continued their hot streak, amazing plays on both ends of the floor and an even larger domination ending this quarter with a plus 17 in points, which was better than the first two quarters (plus 14 and 13 respectively).  

By the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 80-36, a 44-point lead, an improbable scenario that was positive for the Grizzlies. The Pirates made a lot more effort this quarter, but the damage was already done. The Grizzlies were rewarded for having energy from the tip off. The game ended up 106-55, a 51-point lead, one of their biggest this season. 

The grizzlies will need to keep their momentum to have an amazing game against their next opponents, at home next Wednesday, Feb. 26 against the Garden city. They have a chance to maintain their win streak, it will be essential to secure post season contention. An amazing game is expected, conference opposition always brings out a different side of teams, but energy will be required this is a familiar foe. 

The men’s team had an amazing game as well. During this game, the Grizzlies showcased their offensive firepower and outstanding defensive intensity, as the first half was total domination. Their improvement on the boards allowed them to easily dismantle the Pirates. From the opening tip, the Grizzlies controlled the pace, while Independence struggled to find their rhythm. The Grizzlies shot an impressive 55.8% from the field, whereas the Pirates only connected on 32.4% of their attempts. Butler's amazing offensive energy and relentless defense led to a commanding 67-30 halftime lead. 

Freshman guard Seven Bahati  came off the bench during this game and had a game-high of 18 points, 4-7 from the perimeter. Bahati''s amazing performance fired up his teammates, everyone was ready and motivated against a conference foe. Then, freshman guard Devin Kerr had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The level of play displayed at the Power Plant was amazing. A total of seven Grizzly players scored in the double digits scoring wise.  

Independence attempted to regroup after halftime; despite that, Butler’s depth proved to be unstoppable. The second half was dominant for the Grizzlies as well, although not to the same extent--great rebounds, breathtaking defense, but a poorer shot selection was the ugly part of the second half. The Grizzlies finished the first half with a 37-point lead yet only outscored the Pirates by 18 in the second.  

The Grizzlies out-rebounded the Pirates 51-27, aided by freshman center Emeka Opurum, totalizing seven rebounds, the 7-footer was a force on both ends of the floor, with swift post work, tallying 13 points. 

The Grizzlies look to maintain their impressive play. They will be on at home next Wednesday, Feb. 26 against the Garden city, the grizzlies won during their last opposition, they will need the same energy displayed against the pirates to have a chance. This will be another difficult game, a conference game, although Garden city lost their previous game concentration and intensity is expected.