INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI Jaguars (2-3) tied a school record by making 16 3-point field goals against the Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. Their spectacular shooting display led to an 80-47 victory against Butler (0-6) in their 2021 home opener.
 
How It Happened
The Bulldogs picked the wrong day to visit The Jungle. After missing three-straight games due to COVID-19 issues within the program, the IUPUI Jaguars put up 80 points against the Bulldogs to notch their second win of the season. IUPUI shot 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.
 
Rachel Kent opened up the contest with back-to-back made 3-pointers and the Jags would go on to hit their first four from long range to get an early 12-6 lead. The first six points of the day for Butler belonged to freshman Sydney Jaynes. The 'Dawgs were down three starters on Sunday so Jaynes filled in at one forward spot. She scored 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Butler was led in scoring by fellow forward Celena Taborn. The Furman transfer scored 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
 
Butler was working the ball inside to get production, but the Jags were letting it fly from downtown to secure their lead. IUPUI made six of their first seven 3-point field goal attempts and would not take a two-point field goal until the second quarter.
 
Four of IUPUI's five starters hit a three before the first media timeout of the game. The 'Dawgs trailed 18-6 early and would end the first quarter facing a 24-8 deficit.
 
IUPUI averages 8.5 made 3-pointers per game and they hit eight over the first 10 minutes of action. Butler shot seven triples in the first quarter, but didn't hit any. They ended the game just 2-of-21 from 3-point land.
 
The second quarter opened up with IUPUI hitting another 3-pointer. BU didn't want to see that trend continue so they called an early timeout with 8:24 to play in the first half. At that time, IUPUI had pushed their lead to 27-10.
 
Three-time Horizon League Player of the Year Macee Williams would finally get involved for IUPUI after the stoppage. The first 2-pointer of the day for IUPUI came from Williams with 8:03 to play in the second. She scored again on her next touch to give the Jags some balance on offense.
 
The second quarter opened with IUPUI going on a 14-2 scoring run and any chance of a comeback would be eliminated in the third with IUPUI opening the second half on a 13-0 scoring run. Butler trailed 50-21 at the half and would take their sixth loss of the season with the scoreboard showing 80-47.
 
Stat of the Game
Sydney Jaynes jumped into the starting five for the first time in her career and provided BU with 12 points in 23 minutes. 10 of her season-best 12 points came in the first half.
 
Inside The Box Score
- Butler played without three starters (Parker, Richard, Wingler)
- The Bulldogs shot just 2-for-21 from 3-point range
- Celena Taborn only missed two shots to net her team-high 17 points
- Tenley Dowell led BU with four rebounds
- Zoe Jackson dished out a team-best six assists for BU
- Butler only took one free throw at The Jungle
- BU won the points in the paint battle 38-26
 
Up Next
The Bulldogs will prepare for the DePaul Blue Demons next weekend. Head Coach Doug Bruno has a team receiving votes in the national poll. The 8 PM tip Friday night will be followed quickly by a Sunday matinee at Marquette.