INDIANAPOLIS – Newcomer Okako Adika scored a game-high 29 points in her Butler debut, but the Bulldogs would fall to Providence at Hinkle Fieldhouse 73-52. The Friars moved to 3-3 on the season while the Bulldogs look to regroup for their second contest of the 2020-21 campaign tomorrow at 4 PM vs. Creighton.
 
Kyra Spiwak and Mary Baskerville led the Friars to victory on Saturday afternoon by combining for 41 of Providence's 73 total points. Spiwak went 8-for-12 from 3-point range to net 28 points and Baskerville would end the game with a double-double performance including 13 points and a team-best 11 rebounds.
 
Spiwak scored 23 of her team-high 28 points in the first half. Baskerville was also a force over the opening 20 minutes of action with 12 points and seven rebounds. She was perfect from the field (5-5) and the charity stripe (2-2).
 
Adika led Butler at the break with 12 points and four rebounds. Her final stat line included 10 made field goals, six rebounds, an assist and one blocked shot.
 
The game turned after the first media timeout of the game. BU trailed PC by two early 11-9, but failed to score over the 4:40 of the first to give the Friars a 17-9 advantage. Spiwak erupted in the second quarter to help Providence win that 10-minute stretch 32-15.
 
The Friars shot 76% in the first half and knocked down nine of their 12 3-point attempts. They also won the rebound battle 18-10.
 
Butler made some halftime adjustments and came out to win the third quarter 15-9. A 2-3 zone and full court pressure allowed them to open the second half on a 12-2 scoring run. The 'Dawgs cut the lead to 15 with 6:27 to play in the third, but would not get any closer.
 
Naira Caceres was the second-leading scorer on the team with eight points to go along with five rebounds. Ellen Ross was in the box score with five points while both Nyamer Diew and Upe Atosu contributed with four each.
 
The Bulldogs will return to Hinkle Fieldhouse tomorrow for a 4 PM tip against the Creighton Bluejays.