Grizzlies pick up road KJCCC win over Northwest Tech

The Butler Grizzlies were boosted by Ashei Kirven's career high 21 points as the Grizzlies led wire to wire in a 98-58 road win over the Northwest Tech Mavericks in Goodland on Wednesday.

The victory improves the tenth ranked Grizzlies squad's record to 8-0 on the year and 3-0 in conference play. 

The Grizzlies opened the game on an 8-0 run that saw four Mavericks turnovers before they made their first basket. After the Mavs got to within three, Butler went on another big 12-2 run that would prove to be decisive as they took a 25 point lead into the locker room. It would be cruise control for Mike Helmer's squad from there, as they had their way with the Mavs offensively the entire game before cruising to the 40 point victory.

Kirven's career high was followed by Mekayla Furman's 19 points. The two combined for 19-22 from the field. A total of four Grizzlies found double digit scoring on the night, as Mallory Cowman had 14 and Emily Mandamin had 11. Mandamin had a hot shooting night from beyond the arc as she went 3-5 from three point range.

It was a hot night for the Grizzlies overall. Butler went 59% from the field and nine threes were good enough for 52% from three point range, for a team that averages 34%. As has been the theme all season, Northwest had zero answers for Butler's depth. Every Grizzly player scored for the fourth time this season and Mike Helmer got 48 points from his bench tonight. The Grizzlies also had 17 assists, led by Jalia Harding's 6.

It was a solid night for the defense as well. The Mavs had a decent shooting night but did not get many extra possessions, as Butler gave up just seven second chance points, and the Grizzlies out rebounded the Mavs 41-24. Syncere Harrod and Jada Knight led the team with 6. The Grizzlies forced 22 turnovers, and Cowman and Harding each had three steals.

The Grizzlies will return home on Saturday when they hope to stay unbeaten at home against Pratt at the Power Plant in El Dorado.