INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Central Michigan Chippewas used a dominant second-quarter surge and a relentless defensive effort to secure a 68-59 victory over the Butler Bulldogs in a non-conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at a sparsely attended Hinkle Fieldhouse.

In a game where offensive efficiency was at a premium, the Chippewas overcame a slow start by capitalizing on Butler’s mistakes and controlling the glass. Central Michigan improved its record to 2-1, while Butler fell to 1-2.

Butler opened the game strong, fueled by the hot shooting of Lily Zeinstra, and led 21-15 after the first quarter. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second period, however, as the Chippewas locked down defensively. Central Michigan outscored the Bulldogs 19-10 in the quarter, holding Butler to just four made field goals while forcing seven turnovers. The Chippewas took a 34-31 lead into halftime and never trailed again.

The Bulldogs struggled to find any consistent offensive rhythm against Central Michigan’s pressure defense. Butler committed 23 turnovers, which the Chippewas converted into 22 points. Central Michigan also dominated the offensive boards, grabbing 14 rebounds to Butler’s four, leading to a 40-26 advantage in points in the paint.

Madi Morson led a balanced Central Michigan scoring attack with 14 points. The Chippewas had four other players score in double figures: Nekhu Mitchell had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Zareia Chevre, Ayanna-Sarai Darrington and Demetria Prewitt each added 10 points. Chevre also contributed four assists and four steals, facilitating the offense and disrupting Butler’s ball handlers.

Butler was led by Lily Zeinstra, who scored a game-high 16 points. Addison Baxter provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, and Saniya Jackson added 12. The Bulldogs shot a higher percentage from the floor than Central Michigan, 46.7% to 44.1%, but the disparity in possessions created by turnovers and rebounds proved decisive.

Central Michigan maintained its lead throughout the second half, stretching it to as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter. Each time Butler threatened to close the gap, the Chippewas responded with a key basket or a defensive stop, ultimately securing the nine-point win.

The victory gives Central Michigan momentum heading into a road game at Detroit on Nov. 19. Butler will look to regroup when it hosts Northern Kentucky on Nov. 16.