Phoenix women bow before Princeton, President Obama

The Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball season came to an end Saturday in College Park, Maryland, falling to undefeated Princeton 80-70 and playing in front of President Barack Obama, who’s niece is a reserve on the Tigers team.  The ninth seeded Phoenix had a decided height disadvantage but hung tough, even leading at halftime 35-34,  The Tigers, the number 8 seed, and only unbeaten team in the women’s field, dominated the glass throughout and that eventually wore down the Phoenix.  They were outrebounded 49-22 and gave up 17 offensive rebounds.  Princeton was able to cash in the second and third opportunities.   Michelle Miller led five players in double figures with 20 points.  Mehryn Kraker topped Green Bay with 21, Kaili Lukan had 17 and Tesha Buck finished with 14.  Princeton advances to meet top seed Maryland in the second round while the Phoenix come home from a season that saw them win a 17th consecutive Horizon League regular season championship, the Horizon tournament title and 15th NCAA bid in program history.   Green Bay finished the year at 28-5.