Bulldogs Fall to UW-Green Bay, 65-54, in League Semifinals

March 7, 2004

Box Score

The Bulldogs couldn't overcome a poor shooting start Sunday, falling 65-54 to top-seeded UW-Green Bay in the semifinals of the Horizon League tournament played in Milwaukee, Wis. Senior Nancy Bowden led the Bulldogs (14-15) with 17 points and six assists. The Phoenix (22-7) advance to Monday's championship game.

Butler opened the game cold, hitting only one of their first 20 shots. However, the Phoenix could not capitalize, as the Bulldogs only trailed 27-17 at the half despite 18 percent shooting (6-33). Only three Bulldogs scored in the opening frame, but freshman Ellen Hamilton had a late seven points to give the Bulldogs a chance heading into the locker rooms.

The Bulldogs pulled with four, 43-39, after a Maria Marchesano trey with just under 12 minutes remaining in the second half. However, the Bulldogs would turn the ball over on their next possession then allow the Phoenix two offensive rebounds before Abby Scharlow hit a three to give the Phoenix a seven-point lead. UW-Green Bay dumped the ball into freshman Nicole Soulis over the last few minutes, as the league's "Newcomer of the Year" sealed the win in the paint.

Butler shot 48 percent in the second half and finished 20-of-62 (32 percent). The Phoenix countered with 53 percent shooting, including 61 percent in the second half. The Bulldogs forced the Phoenix into 19 turnovers, but were out-rebounded, 41-29. Soulis led the Phoenix attack, hitting 12 of 16 shots for 26 points. She added 14 rebounds.

Hamilton was the only other Bulldog in double figures with 12 points. Junior Cortney Urquhart rebounded from a tough first half to finish with six points and 10 boards.

The Bulldogs finish the 2003-04 season with a 14-15 record, including a 9-7 league record that tied the team for fourth in the standings. The Phoenix, who have eliminated the Bulldogs from the past four league tournaments, advance to Monday's final to face either No. 2 UW-Milwaukee or No. 3 Detroit. The winner gets an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.