Horizon League Tournament Finale
In a thrilling finale to the Horizon League Tournament, the Green Bay Phoenix triumphed over the Youngstown State Penguins with a score of 57-49, marking their third consecutive tournament championship. This victory, secured on a Tuesday, guarantees the Phoenix a spot in their 21st NCAA Tournament.
Key Performers
Jenna Guyer delivered an impressive performance, leading her team with 21 points, whereas Maddy Skorupski contributed significantly with 13 points and showcased her defensive skills by recording five steals and grabbing six rebounds. Following the Phoenix’s tactical approach, they managed to outscore the Penguins 17-10 in the final quarter, ultimately pulling away in a closely contested match.
Youngstown State’s Efforts
Youngstown State, aiming for their first Horizon title in their 25-year league history, saw multiple players contributing to their efforts. Paulina Hernandez scored 12 points, while Sophia Gregory added 11 and Casey Santoro came close with nine points and nine rebounds. Despite a strong start, finishing the game with 38% shooting, the Penguins fell short in the crucial moments against Green Bay’s resilience.
Game Highlights
Initially trailing by three points at halftime, where the Penguins led 28-25, the Phoenix turned the tide with Meghan Schultz scoring five early points in the third quarter. By the end of the third period, Green Bay had reclaimed the lead at 40-39. The decisive fourth quarter saw Guyer score the initial five points in a 9-0 run, helping the Phoenix extend their lead to eight with less than three minutes on the clock. Following a series of exchanged three-pointers, Skorupski sealed the victory with two free throws that gave Green Bay a 10-point lead — their largest of the game — with just 43.1 seconds remaining.
Conclusion
Despite shooting an impressive 52% in the first half, Youngstown State struggled in the latter stages, giving Green Bay an advantage with 10 extra points gained from turnovers and an additional nine points from the free-throw line. As the teams prepared for tournament play, this match is a testament to Green Bay’s continued dominance in the league.
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