Downs and Nero lead Grizzlies with 21-point performances in game one of the Midland Tip-off Classic

Butler takes the first game of the long weekend at the Midland Tip-off Classic defeating Jacksonville College (TX) 72-49.

It was a tight contest after the first quarter as Butler led by a slim margin of just three points after the first ten minutes of play. Butler responded with an 18-8 second quarter to carry a 36-23 lead into the break. The Grizzlies came out of the locker room with the same energy they left with and put together their best offensive quarter of the day scoring 23 points to the Jaguars 10 extending their lead 59-33 to start the fourth.

Jacksonville hung around in the fourth, but the damage was already done and it was too late to mount a comeback as Butler cruised to a 72-49 victory.

Camille Downs and RaVon Nero led the way offensively for the Grizzlies with 21 points apiece.

"They both played well," commented Helmer in his post-game interview. "Camille had a huge first half then RaVon took over in the second. It is a great one two punch to have with those two."

Downs pulled down seven rebounds and dished out four assists while Nero finished with six rebounds and two assists. Tamara Nard chipped in eight points and six rebounds while teammate Carissa Beck added in eight knocking down two three pointers in the contest.

The Grizzlies shot 46% from the floor but more impressively they finished 23-27 from the charity stripe at 85%. They dominated the glass outrebounding the Jaguars 37-15 while holding them to 4% shooting from the floor.

"I thought we played okay. Not good but okay," said Helmer. "We are making too many of the same mistakes. If we correct them, we will be okay but right now we are making too many mistakes."

The Grizzlies now turn their attention to the tournament host Midland College, who will take on Air Force Prep tonight at 6:00pm before turning around and playing the Grizzlies tomorrow night at 6:00pm.