Butler beats Bethel 53-44 in season opener

EL DORADO - The Grizzlies began the 2011-12 campaign with a victory over the Bethel College Threshers on Tuesday night by a count of 53-44. The win moved the Grizzlies to 1-0 on the season.

The Grizzlies overcame a slow start and 15 first half turnovers to lead the Threshers 28-23 at the intermission. The tempo was dictated by the Grizzlies ability to not only get to the free throw line but also to connect as Butler made good on 9 of 13 attempts in the 1st half.

"This is a process," said Head Coach Mike Helmer who is now is his fourth season at the helm of the Grizzlies. "We knew it was going to be a grind but I was proud of the resiliency of our players tonight."

Leading the Grizzlies in the scoring column was Sophomore Tonya Elliott-Salas who finished the game with 8 points. Also, marking the book for the Grizzlies was Mia Wesley 7, Sam Satterlee 6, Christy Couey, Tysia Manuel, Jamillah Bonner and April Miller each had 5 points, Jordyn Tolefree 4, Asia Watson 3, and Kiara O'Neal with 2 points to round out the scoring column.

"We were very balanced in our scoring tonight," Helmer said. "It's nice to see hard work paying off in game situations."

The Grizzlies are next in action on Thursday, Nov. 3 as they play host to the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. in the Power Plant.