On a rough shooting day, the women’s basketball team found a way to keep its win streak alive as the Bulldogs beat UT Martin 73-46 to go 5-0. The last time the Dawgs opened the season with five wins was back in 2018.
The Skyhawks nailed four three-pointers in the first quarter, but foul trouble allowed Butler to keep the game close. Nine of the Bulldogs’ 20 points were from the free throw line as they were held to shooting 5-of-17 from the field. Despite going 50% from three, UT Martin committed nine turnovers — which led to eight Butler points — and the first quarter ended with Butler holding a four-point lead.
The Dawgs grew their lead to as much as 18 in the second quarter, outscoring the Skyhawks 20-9. Butler continued to force turnovers and capitalize on them, scoring 11 points on 11 turnovers. Led by senior guard Nevaeh Jackson and junior guard Tamar Singer, the defense notched six steals and held UT Martin to just 2-of-9 from the field and 1-of-5 from three, entering halftime with a 40-25 lead.
Out of the locker room, the Skyhawks found their footing on offense, as first-year guard Olivia Smith got a layup off her own missed three and also earned a free throw. Smith’s teammate, sophomore guard Tyler Jones, rebounded her missed free throw for a quick three-pointer. UT Martin almost got a third scoring chance as sophomore guard Sidni Middleton stole the ball right back, but the team could not make the shot.
Both defenses held firm throughout the quarter, with the Dawgs and Skyhawks scoring only 21 combined points. Smith and Jones were the only two Skyhawks able to generate offense, while senior forward Lili Krasovec scored four of Butler’s 11 points to make sure the Bulldogs held on to their lead.
After an offensive slump, Butler bounced back with 22 fourth-quarter points, led by Singer scoring eight points in under two minutes. The Skyhawks had no answer for the Dawgs, who left Tennessee with a 27-point win.
Despite making 39.4% of their shots from the field and 30.8% from three, the Bulldogs still had three players reach double digits. Singer led all players with 17 points and five assists, while also contributing four steals on defense. Krasovec finished with 14 points and three blocks, and Saniya rounded out Butler’s top scorers with 11 points.
Smith topped the Skyhawks’ offense with 12 points and made 60% from the field, while senior guard Maddie Penney had nine — all of which came from beyond the arc. UT Martin committed a season-high 30 turnovers, which resulted in 28 Butler points.
Next, the Bulldogs return home to host Kent State on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m, where they look to extend their win streak to six.