Women's Basketball Suffers 94-66 Loss In Carolyn Kieger's Debut

You name it, it didn't go well for Marquette against UW-Green Bay in the season lidlifter, as the Phoenix came away with the 94-66 win.

Well, that's not entirely true.  The Golden Eagles shot more free throws than field goals in this game, but shooting 64% from the line eliminated any advantage that they had there.  Elsewhere, Marquette shot the ball poorly while UWGB hit half their three pointers and got layups almost at will.  MU turned the ball over twice as much as GB.

Marquette trailed 41-25 after an ugly first half.  While the Golden Eagles were able to play better from a statistical standpoint on offense in the second half, their defense didn't help them out.  Green Bay had a better offensive half in the second half as well, and they were able to double their 16 point halftime advantage late in the second half before ending up with a 28 point margin.

After Marquette suffered a close loss to Division 2 Lewis in their exhibition game last weekend, it seemed fairly obvious that the Phoenix would be a stiff test.  Even with Arlesia Morse (16 points on 3-10 shooting) back in the line up, it was going to be difficult for the Golden Eagles to run with the experience and depth that earned UWGB the status of favorite in the Horizon League.  Between a new head coach and three freshmen that have to play significant roles in the back court, it's definitely too early to make any definitive statements about this Marquette squad.  They're still a long ways off from where they could be at the end of the season, and with the way the early schedule shakes out (hi, preseason #7 Duke), there could be a number of ugly setbacks before things round into form later on.

Up Next: The Golden Eagles square off with Loyola-Chicago on Monday night.  The Ramblers and second year head coach Sheryl Swoopes got crushed in their opener by Georgia Tech after being picked to finish seventh in the 10 team Missouri Valley Conference.  Tip off at the McGuire Center is at 7pm.