INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — In a commanding season-opening performance, the Butler Bulldogs used a dominant second quarter to pull away from the Wright State Raiders, securing a 74-53 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday afternoon at a spirited Hinkle Fieldhouse.

A crowd of 1,867 watched as the Bulldogs, fueled by a balanced scoring attack and disruptive defense, turned a first-quarter stalemate into a comfortable lead by halftime and never looked back. The game was tied at 16 after the opening period, but Butler outscored Wright State 20-8 in the second quarter to take a 36-24 lead into the break, establishing a margin the Raiders could not overcome.

Butler’s offensive execution was a team effort, with five players scoring in double figures. Lily Zeinstra led the way with 14 points and dished out 4 assists, directing the offense effectively. Saniya Jackson and Nevaeh Jackson each provided a significant scoring punch, contributing 12 and 13 points respectively, while Anna Wypych added 11 points. The Bulldogs’ ball movement was crisp, with Addison Baxter orchestrating the offense to the tune of a game-high 8 assists to go with 6 points.

Defensively, Butler was equally impressive, forcing numerous turnovers and converting them into easy transition opportunities. The Bulldogs’ length and activity in the passing lanes stifled Wright State’s offensive sets for long stretches, particularly during the decisive second quarter.

Wright State was led by the standout performance of Chloe Chard Peloquin, who poured in a game-high 15 points. Claire Henson provided consistent support with 13 points for the Raiders, but the team struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm against Butler’s persistent defensive pressure. The Raiders’ scoring by quarter (Interstat) — 16, 8, 12, and 17 (Interstat) — illustrated their difficulty in sustaining momentum.

The game began with both teams trading baskets. Chard Peloquin opened the scoring for Wright State with a 3-pointer just seconds after winning the opening tip, setting an early tone. The first quarter featured five ties, with neither team able to build a lead larger than three points. Butler’s Saniya Jackson closed the period with a layup to knot the score at 16.

The second quarter, however, belonged entirely to the home team. Butler opened the period on a 9-0 run, highlighted by a layup from Nevaeh Jackson and a 3-pointer from Rylee Sagester for Wright State that momentarily interrupted the surge. The Bulldogs continued to apply pressure, with Zeinstra, Mallory Miller, and Anna Wypych all contributing to a 20-point quarter that gave Butler a 12-point halftime advantage.

After halftime, Butler maintained its control, outscoring Wright State 19-12 in the third quarter to extend the lead to 55-36. The Raiders showed fight in the final period, scoring 17 points, but the Bulldogs matched them with 19 of their own to close out the victory.

With the win, Butler opens its season 1-0 and will look to build on the momentum when they host Columbia on Friday. Wright State begins the year 0-1 and faces a quick turnaround with a road game at Tennessee State, also on Friday.