INDIANAPOLIS – Butler outscored Wagner 27-9 in the first quarter and would never trail the rest of the way to secure a 74-58 victory in the 2019-20 season opener. The Bulldogs forced 29 turnovers which resulted in 28 points.
 
How It Happened
Butler's starting five attacked Wagner from the opening tip to grab a commanding lead. Kristen Spolyar scored eight of her team-high 17 points in the first frame to give Butler an 18-point advantage. BU would enjoy a 20-point cushion at the half and lead by as many as 28 in the fourth quarter.
 
The group hit seven 3-point field goals and would go 25-for-31 from the charity stripe. The 'Dawgs assisted on 10 of their 21 made field goals and would limit Wagner to just 33.9 percent shooting to find the win column.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Kristen Spolyar led Butler with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting
- Tenley Dowell made all seven of her free throw attempts to net 12 points
- Dowell just missed a double-double by adding a team-best eight rebounds
- Genesis Parker led BU with three assists. She added 13 total points
- Shae Brey blocked three shots vs. the Seahawks and was responsible for nine points
- Katherine Strong stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, six boards and three steals
- Emilia Sexton came off the bench to score eight points
- Naira Caceres hit two 3-pointers to score six points
 
Key Moment
Kristen Spolyar hit a 3-pointer with 1:18 left in the first quarter to give Butler a 24-5 lead over the Seahawks. Butler's fast start decided the outcome in the season opener. The Bulldogs shot 57.1 percent from the field over the first 10 minutes and buried five of their seven 3-point attempts.
 
Up Next
Butler will host Detroit Mercy at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 PM.