EL DORADO, Kan. - The Independence Women’s Basketball team hung tough with 14th-ranked Butler, but the Grizzlies were able to pull away in the second half for an 81-44 victory on Wednesday night. 

The game got off to a high scoring start with both teams shooting over 40% from the field in the first quarter, with Butler eclipsing 50% from the field, leading to an early eight point lead for the Grizzlies. The Pirates remained competitive throughout the first half, having one of their better offensive halves in recent games. The high powered Butler offense continued to execute as they took a 46-28 lead into the half. 

The third quarter is where the 14th-ranked Grizzlies started to pull away as the Pirates were held to a game low just four points in the quarter while Butler exploded for 23 points and pushed their lead to 37, and put the game well out of reach. 

The Pirates continued to compete though as they were able to match the Grizzlies in the fourth and final quarter, leading to the 81-44 final. 

The Grizzlies bested the Pirates in all major stat categories including, shooting percentage, rebounds, assists, points off turnovers and bench points. 

Mimi White paced the Pirates with 19 points as she poured in four of the Pirates five three point makes on the night. Jade Oliney did a little bit of everything as she finished with six points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ra’Niyah Tillman pitched in seven points off of the bench. 

The Pirates head into the Christmas Break sitting at 4-9 overall and 1-6 in conference play. After the break, Indy will jump right back into the heart of conference play, when they host Seward County on January 3rd.