MATTHEWS, N.C. -- It was a college arena atmosphere on Tuesday night as the Butler girls hosted West Charlotte in a matchup of two of the best teams in North Carolina. The Bulldogs survived a late charge from the Lions and held on to a 73-66 win.

The gym was sold out and literally shook when West Charlotte, down early by 14, made their move and tied the score in the 4th quarter with 3 minutes remaining. Butler was able to slow the West Charlotte run and gun offense just enough to hold onto the lead.

Bulldogs' junior forward, Claire Watkins, who had committed to play at Duke for Coach Joanne McCallie, led her team with 22 points and 13 boards. Her teammates, senior guard Celeste Stewart, pitched in with 16 points and former West Charlotte star Jaquaria Forney scored 13 points.

Butler's fast start proved to be the difference in the game, as they jumped out to a 24-12 lead after the 1st quarter. The rest of the game was played evenly on the scoreboard as Butler converted enough foul shots in the final minutes to stop West Charlotte's attack.

West Charlotte was led by senior guard Nikki Burton who did it all on Tuesday night and poured in 28 points and 6 rebounds. Burton has committed to play at for head coach Jeff Walz at Louisville next season. Lions guard Jessica Freeman pitched in with 10 points.

The game lived up to the hype and had a state championship feel to it. It could be a preview of what's to come this season in women's basketball around Charlotte.