Big runs in each half lead Butler women over Neosho

The Butler women used two big runs – one in each half – to cruise past Neosho County by a 79-47 score on Wednesday at the Power Plant.

Butler needed that big run in the second quarter after a hot-shooting first quarter by Neosho had the Panthers up by as many as five points. Neosho made five of its nine attempts from three-point range and led 20-17 after one quarter.

Butler still trailed 23-19 when the Grizzlies went on a 16-0 run. HaLee Roland hit a 3-pointer to start the surge and then hit another that put Butler up by double digits at 33-23.

The Grizzlies would push the lead to 12 before Neosho scored the final six points of the half, making it a 35-29 score at the break.

Butler added an 11-0 run early in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 46-31 after a layup by Kyeria Hannah with 6:09 left in the period.

The Grizzlies pushed the lead past 20 on a HaLee Roland layup with 4:14 left in the third that made it 54-33 and took a 23-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Hannah led Butler with 18 points and was one of four Grizzlies in double figures. Roland had a career-high 16 points, as her previous best had been eight in the season opener.

Kendriana Washington had her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, playing 37 minutes for the Grizzlies. Ciara Johansen, playing in just her third game of the season, also scored a career high with 10 points. All seven Butler players in uniform scored at least two points.

Butler (11-4 overall, 8-4 conference) is scheduled to go to Colby on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tipoff, weather permitting.