By Kendall Wingler
Sports Capital Journalism Program
INDIANAPOLIS — The Green Bay women’s basketball team continued its dominance in the Horizon League, securing a second consecutive conference tournament championship and 21st in program history with a commanding 76-63 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne at Corteva Coliseum.
“It was a great game,” said Purdue Fort Wayne coach Maria Marchesano, “until it wasn’t.”
Green Bay (29-5) won its 22nd consecutive game, the longest winning streak since the Phoenix won 24 straight in 2012-13. Senior guard Natalie McNeal was the undeniable star of the game, earning the Key4Women MVP honors. McNeal scored a game-high 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out two assists in 34 minutes.
McNeal also led the defensive effort that held Lauren Ross of Purdue Fort Wayne, the national leader in 3-point percentage at 47.5%, to five points on 2-for-8 shooting and one 3-point basket in four attempts. In Purdue Fort Wayne’s 67-66 victory over Green Bay on December 7, its only victory in 15 games against the Phoenix, Ross scored 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting that included all six of her 3-point attempts.
McNeal’s leadership, championship-level play and clutch shooting proved instrumental in Green Bay’s championship triumph.
“This team has battled all season, and to see our hard work pay off is an incredible feeling,” McNeal said. “We knew we had to step up in the second half, and I’m so proud of how we responded.”
The much-anticipated battle between the top two teams in the conference lived up to its billing. Green Bay and PFW entered the contest with identical 18-1 records in league play, having split their regular-season meetings. However, Green Bay carried the momentum of a 21-game winning streak into the championship game, looking to extend its reign atop the Horizon League.
Green Bay gained immediate control, setting the tone early in a fast-paced and competitive matchup. Despite a strong start, Green Bay struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, shooting just 28% from three-point range. Meanwhile, PFW lit up the scoreboard from deep, connecting on an impressive 58% of their 3-point attempts in the opening half.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, Green Bay held a narrow 22-19 lead. The second quarter saw PFW continue its hot shooting, battling back to tie the game at 40-40 heading into halftime.
Green Bay responded with defensive adjustments and a renewed offensive attack in the third quarter. Led by standout performances from their veteran core, the Phoenix outscored PFW 20-13 in the period to take a 60-53 lead into the final frame.
With the championship within reach, Green Bay locked in defensively and delivered a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring PFW 16-10 to seal the 76-63 victory. Their relentless effort on both ends of the floor solidified their place atop the Horizon League again.
“This group has shown incredible heart and fight all season long,” said first-year Green Bay coach Kayla Karius. “Purdue Fort Wayne is a great team, but our players stuck together and executed when it mattered most.”
With the championship victory, Green Bay now turns its focus to the NCAA Tournament, where the Phoenix will look to continue their remarkable season on the national stage. The Phoenix have proven they belong among the nation’s best, and they enter March Madness with momentum and confidence.
