by By: Joey Daniels (@GBJoeyD)
DAYTON, OHIO (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – A clutch three-pointer was the difference in another exciting game for the 24th-ranked Green Bay women’s basketball team, but this time the Phoenix found itself on the other end and fell 72-66 at Dayton on Sunday afternoon at University of Dayton Arena.
The Phoenix (9-3) couldn’t miss in the first half and took a 42-33 lead into the half, but the host Flyers (8-3) turned it on defensively in the second half and extended their nation-best home game winning streak to 31 games.
With the game tied and under a minute to play, Dayton’s top player and reigning A10 Player of the Year Andrea Hoover buried a clutch three-pointer from the wing. Green Bay was unable to get a shot off on its next position to tie the game, and the Flyers hit free throws to seal the victory.
“We should have ran a combination screen to try and open up the lane and get to the rim. That’s hindsight at this point. We went stretches without scoring and took bad shots at times, just trying to force shots at the rim. They’re a really good team,” head coach Kevin Borseth said.
Kaili Lukan led the Phoenix with 17 points, including some critical shots down the stretch. Tesha Buck finished with 14 points while Sam Terry added 12. Mehryn Kraker finished with seven points and eight rebounds.
Green Bay finished the first half with eight made three-pointers, but managed just one in the second half. The nine three’s made are more than the Phoenix has made in its last two games combined (five).
“Kids love to play in good games. Jim and I struggle to get games, so why not get two good squads and play each other. It was a great game for the fans, watching two teams that really know what they’re doing,” Borseth said.
The 24th-ranked Phoenix will return home for Davenport on Saturday (Jan. 3) for a 1 p.m. tip off.
