The Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team put the disappointment of missing out on the big dance by thrashing Niagara in the opening round of the little dance, the WNIT, 84-52 at the Kress Center Thursday night.
GB was denied a return to the NCAA tournament by Cleveland State in the Horizon League tournament championship game but they made the most of the next best opportunity to play with excellent execution against the Purple Eagles full court pressure. Niagara led the nation in steals per game and were among the best in forcing turnovers and while they piled up plenty of each, more often than not, GB broke the pressure which resulted in easy buckets down the floor. A 25-5 second quarter propelled the Phoenix to a 31 point halftime lead and they coasted to the finish.
Cassie Schiltz led the offensive attack with 22 points while Sydney Levy added 18 as GB shot 59.3% from the floor. Green Bay’s half court defense was just as effective, holding Niagara to 29.7% shooting.
It was the first WNIT tournament win for the Phoenix after losing in their first six tries. GB improves to 28-5 and they’ll get to host a second round game Monday night against 28-6 Bowling Green.
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