Butler women battle No. 3 Hutchinson before falling late

The Butler women battled one of the nation's top teams for 32 minutes on Wednesday at the Sports Arena, but in the end it was No. 3 Hutchinson pulling away for a 63-46 win to keep the Blue Dragons undefeated at 16-0 on the season.

The Grizzlies held the lead early in the first half, going ahead 9-5 on a 3-pointer by Jordyn Tolefree with 15:22 to play. Hutchinson would take the lead midway through the first half but could not shake Butler, as a 3-pointer by Mia Wesley with 2:40 to play in the half tied the score 25-25.

Hutchinson, however, would end the half on an 8-0 run, leading 33-25 at the break. 

Butler battled back early in the second half, getting within a point at 38-37 following a 3-pointer by Samantha Satterlee with 15:28 left in the game. The Grizzlies were still within four points at 46-62 following a basket by Jamillah Bonner with 7:48 to play.

Butler was led by Jamillah Bonner, who had a game-high 19 points as part of yet another double-double performance with a game-high 12 rebounds. Jordyn Tolefree had nine points for the Grizzlies, while Chantee Louis, Tekoya Thompson and Tysia Manuel had four apiece.

Hutchinson had four players in double figures, led by 18 from Jackie Patterson. 

Butler falls to 11-5 on the season and 0-2 in Jayhawk West Conference. Butler's next action will be Saturday at home against Barton, which is 15-2 overall, 1-2 in conference. That game will tip at 5:30 p.m. at the Power Plant.