The Barton Community College women's basketball team found itself in an early hole Wednesday night at the Power Plant, as No. 2 Butler Community College opened on a 13-0 run and never relinquished control in a 64-44 decision in El Dorado.
The Grizzlies struck quickly, scoring the game's first 13 points while holding Barton scoreless for nearly five minutes. Regina Donanu's jumper at the 5:06 mark finally put the Cougars on the board, and a late Mersadie Spray layup made it 13-4 at the end of the opening quarter. Barton settled in defensively from there, but Butler carried a 34-20 advantage into halftime after back-to-back Spray three-pointers in the closing minute trimmed what had been an 18-point deficit.
The third quarter unfolded evenly, with both teams scoring 11 points as Barton showed improved defensive resistance and battled on the glass. However, every Cougar push was answered, and Butler gradually stretched the margin to as many as 22 midway through the fourth quarter before the final 64-44 margin.
The loss drops Barton to 12-15 overall and 10-11 in Jayhawk Conference play, while Butler improves to 25-1 and 19-1 in league action. Barton returns home Saturday hosting Independence Community College for a 2 p.m. tip at the Barton Gym.
Spray led the Cougars with 14 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers while adding four rebounds and two steals. Kodi Greer provided nine points off the bench on three made triples, and Mary Akinde recorded a team-high 10 rebounds to go with six points.
Barton held a 14-2 advantage in bench scoring and committed just 12 turnovers, but struggled from the floor, finishing 15-of-59 for a season low 25.4% overall and 5-of-21 from beyond the arc. The Cougars were efficient at the line, converting 9-of-12 free throws.
Butler shot 27-of-59 (45.8 percent) from the field and controlled the paint with a 26-10 scoring edge inside while outrebounding Barton 42-36.
The Grizzlies placed four starters in double figures, as Keegan Yarick, Ashley Singhateh, Mya Mayberry, and Aliyah Green each scored 13 points. Kenzie Galliart added 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds in the balanced effort.