NEW CASTLE — Momentum could not make up its mind in Wednesday's girls basketball game between Butler and New Castle.

But in the end, it went home with the Red Hurricanes.

After a first half that saw New Castle control the first quarter and Butler the second, the Golden Tornado trailed 42-31 with under five minutes left to play.

Butler then went on a 21-7 run, highlighted by a trio of 3-pointers from Casie Cygan (two) and Casey Fleeger for a 52-49 lead with just 40 seconds left.

Two free throws by NC's Kaylynn Waters and two Butler turnovers that led to layups by Christina Talbert and LaShauna Brothers put the 'Canes ahead for good in a 58-52 win.

"We were up by 11 at one point and we relaxed," said New Castle coach Jason Rankin. "Butler's too good of a team to do that and they made some shots. After that, we went back to being more aggressive."

NC (5-0) played a zone defense for much of the game and forced Butler into 24 turnovers.

"When these two teams get together, it's an up-tempo style of game and turnovers are going to happen," said Butler coach Dorothea Epps. "But what I don't like are unforced turnovers. Some of the girls became a bit apprehensive against their trap, they weren't sure where to go with the ball."

Ten of the Tornado's turnovers came in the third quarter, helping the 'Canes win the period, 14-7.

"We force an average of 25 to 30 turnovers per game, but we usually do it using a press," said Rankin. "I didn't want to go with the zone tonight, but we ended up getting some girls in foul trouble. We were forced into it."

Epps was also disappointed in her team's free throw shooting, which was just 50 percent (13-of-26).

"We had a chance to close the gap with free throws at several points in the second half," she said. "We have to make our free throws and we have to find a way to pull games like this out."

Waters led all scorers with 19 points.

Butler (2-5) was paced by Cygan's 17 points. Olivia Bresnahan had 16 and Mackenzie O'Donnell contributed 11.

"Casie has stepped up, but we're still searching for that third and fourth girl," said Epps. "Teams are able to key on (Bresnahan). We need to spread defenses out."

BUTLER 52Casey Fleeger 1 2-2 5, Olivia Bresnahan 5 6-13 16, Emily Wise 0 3-4 3, Casie Cygan 7 1-3 17, Mackenzie O'Donnell 5 1-2 11, Katresa Savisky 0 0-2 0, Becky Nowacki 0 0-0 0, Jasmine Bailey 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 18 13-26 52.

NEW CASTLE 58Kaylynn Waters 5 9-12 19, Zyneckia Bester 1 0-2 3, Christina Talbert 3 2-4 8, DelVona Dennis 0 1-2 1, Ja'Nia McPhatter 4 5-7 13, LaShauna Brothers 6 2-2 14, Breanne Beshero 0 0-1 0.

Totals: 19 19-30 58.

Butler 8 16 7 21—52New Castle 14 10 14 20—583-point goals: Butler 3 (Cygan 2, Fleeger); New Castle 1 (Bester).

Jan. 2: North Hills at Butler