INDIANAPOLIS — In an exciting performance, Natalie McNeal scored an impressive 26 points and pulled down eight rebounds, leading top-seeded Green Bay to a triumphant 76-63 victory over No. 2 seed Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday. This win secured back-to-back Horizon League Tournament championships for Green Bay.
Green Bay (29-5), under the direction of first-year coach Kayla Karius, extended their remarkable winning streak to 22 games, marking their longest run since achieving 24 consecutive wins during the 2012-23 season. This victory ensures their 20th NCAA Tournament appearance, a notable feat for the program.
On the other hand, Purdue Fort Wayne (25-8) was aiming to achieve its first NCAA Division I Tournament entry. However, Green Bay proved too strong an opponent on this occasion. The game was closely contested, with Green Bay trailing by one point, 51-50, with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter. But a surge led by Jenna Guyer, who nailed two crucial 3-pointers and totaled eight points in a 10-2 run, granted Green Bay a 60-53 lead heading into the final quarter.
Bailey Butler then helped extend Green Bay’s advantage by scoring the first four points of the fourth quarter, giving them the game’s first double-digit lead. The Phoenix pushed further, scoring 12 out of the first 14 points in the fourth, before Purdue Fort Wayne could respond with a field goal through Sydney Freeman’s effort with four minutes left on the clock.
Green Bay now boasts an impressive 14-1 series record against Purdue Fort Wayne, with their only loss being decided by a single point earlier in the season. Contributors to Green Bay’s success included Jasmine Kondrakiewicz and Callie Genke, who each scored 10 points. Jenna Guyer, who made all her eight points in the second half, was instrumental in ensuring Green Bay’s victory. Natalie McNeal further showcased her skills, shooting 11 of 20 from the field and achieving a perfect 4 of 4 at the free-throw line.
For Purdue Fort Wayne, Sydney Freeman led the charge with 18 points, supported by Jordan Reid with 12 points, and Jazzlyn Linbo contributing 11. At halftime, the matchup was evenly poised at 40-40, with both teams shooting over 51% from the field. Notably, Purdue Fort Wayne hit seven 3-pointers in the opening half but concluded with 9 of 23 by the end of the game.
