Freshman Kristen Spolyar shoots a free throw. Photo by Adam Cvik.
DANA LEE | SPORTS REPORTER | delee1@butler.edu
A career-high 28 points from freshman Kristen Spolyar aided the Butler University women’s basketball team in a 79-58 win against Seton Hall University on Jan. 2. The home win snaps the team’s three-game losing streak and boosts their overall record 4-10.
First half action concluded with a 33-28 score. Butler used a strong offensive second half to extend their lead, capitalizing on a 9-0 scoring run in the third quarter.
Bulldogs have the halftime lead! @ButlerWBB shoots 44% from the field and holds a 33-28 edge on @SHUWBB. Catch the 2nd half on @FS1. pic.twitter.com/pZb1E77jV2
— BIG EAST WBB (@BIGEASTWBB) January 3, 2017
Spolyar possessed a hot scoring hand in the final quarter, gaining 12 points after shooting 5-for-7 in eight minutes. Her offensive presence was matched by 10 rebounds, good for the guard’s first collegiate double-double.
Kristen Spolyar beats the buzzer for @ButlerWBB! Bulldogs up 16 heading into the 4th Q. Get to @FS1 for #BIGEASTwbb. pic.twitter.com/xXWyDFGQLC
— BIG EAST WBB (@BIGEASTWBB) January 3, 2017
Sophomore Tori Schickel added 23 points and led the team with 16 rebounds while freshman Sydney Shelton contributed 16 points.
Butler’s 79 points marks a season-high. The Bulldogs shot an even 50 percent from the field (30-60) and polished the game off by shooting over 64 percent in the fourth quarter. The defense shut down Seton Hall, keeping the Pirates’ field goal percentage to 29 percent.
Led by Schickel, the Bulldogs outrebounded their opponents 44-32. The home team took advantage of the Pirates’ miscues and gained 20 points from Seton Hall’s 16 turnovers.
Butler has a two day rest before taking on St. John’s University in Hinkle Fieldhouse on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.
