Charles Chaney
Student Sports Media
It was not pretty, but the Butler women’s team knocked off Pratt on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena 58-45.
The Grizzlies improved to 20-6 overall and 17-6 in the Jayhawk Conference.
Head Coach Mike Helmer has led the Grizzlies to a 20-win season for five straight years.
“We can play better,” Helmer said. “Were fortunate to win today.”
Dakota Vann had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.
Butler and Pratt had a tumultuous end to their first game on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at the Power Plant, leading to multiple suspensions. However, this game was very business-like for both teams.
While Butler trailed early at 10-8 early in the first half, they were able to get two fouls on Pratt post player Megan Poole. She was forced to sit the rest of the first half with two fouls.
That is when the Grizzlies feasted.
Butler went on a 21-3 run to end the half. They held Pratt scoreless for almost 10 minutes, spanning the first and through most of the second quarter.
Butler led 29-13 at the break.
When Poole checked back in for the second half, her defense stalled what was working for Butler. Her 6-foot-2-inch frame forced Butler into jump shots and the offense seemed to run on a flat tire.
Poole, who finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, did most of her damage in the third quarter. She scored six of her 12 in the quarter, pulling down seven rebounds.
Pratt’s Channa Parvin was unnerved by one of the best defenses in the country. She caught fire from deep, nailing down 3-of-5. That includes the 27-footer she hit as the third quarter expired. Butler led only 42-36.
Sophomore Raven Prince had 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Sophomore Kendriana Washington scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds. Sophomore Imari Bell contributed six points and six rebounds off the bench.
A three-pointer from Brianna Samilton nailed one of her three treys, cutting Butler’s lead to 44-41 with 9:03 left in the fourth quarter. That’s when the Grizzlies decided to fight back.
Butler clawed back, ending the game on a 13-4 run. They held Pratt scoreless the final two minutes of the game.
The Grizzlies with the victory, Butler sits alone in fourth place. They have a huge showdown with third place Coffeyville on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Power Plant. Tip-off was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. You can listen to all the action on 88.1 KBTL the Grizz or online at butler.listen2myradio.com.