Butler women build big lead early in win over Dodge City

EL DORADO, Kan. – The Butler women raced to a big halftime lead but struggled down the stretch in a 64-47 home win over Dodge City on Wednesday at the Power Plant.

The Grizzlies dominated the final 15 minutes of the first half, turning a 6-6 ballgame into a 32-point lead in quick fashion. The Grizzlies saw the lead reach 20 points after a bucket and free throw by Samantha Satterlee with 6:10 to play in the period.

The lead went to 30 points on a layup in transition by Ashlee Ivy with with 1:45 left in the half and the Grizzlies would go into halftime with a 48-17 lead.

The second half was the complete opposite of the first half. Butler scored just 16 points over the final 20 minutes. For a while, the Grizzlies held Dodge City in check, keeping the lead near 30 points. But Dodge City closed strong to end the game, cutting the final margin to just 17 points.

Butler was led in scoring by Ashlee Ivy with 15 points. Samantha Satterlee scored 10 left, all in the first half. Jamillah Bonner had nine points and 11 rebounds, barely missing out on a double-double performance.

The Grizzlies are now 17-5 on the season and finish the first half of Jayawk West Conference play with a 5-3 record. The Grizzlies begin the second half of conference play with a home game on Saturday against Garden City at 5:30 p.m.