GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- Frankie Wurtz had a career afternoon for Green Bay as the Phoenix battled South Dakota in front of nearly 2,000 fans on Saturday afternoon, with the redshirt senior scoring a career-high 24 points and  collecting 12 rebounds. The effort nearly lifted GB to a victory over the Coyotes, falling just short at 66-60.

Green Bay's offense got off to a bit of a slow start in the pairing, scoring only nine points in the first quarter and 13 in the second. The defense seemed to be firing on all cylinders and allowed only 11 points in each of the opening frames, leading to a tie at the half, 22-22.

Both offenses erupted in the third, with the Phoenix matching its total from the entire first half by pouring in 22 points. The Coyotes weren't far behind at 21, trailing things 44-43 heading into the final 10 minutes.

The Phoenix offense suffered through a slow start in the fourth, going scoreless for the first 5:22 while USD scored eight unanswered points. Caitlyn Hibner ended the drought with a perfect trip to the line, making it a two-possession game at 51-45.
South Dakota continued to do just enough to keep the Phoenix out of striking distance, as USD's Ciara Duffy sank five free throws in the final minute to preserve a 66-60 victory.

Wurtz' 24 points came off a 9-of-18 effort from the field and a 4-of-8 mark from long range. The guard also tallied one assist and one steal in 39 minutes. Karly Murphy finished 6-of-14 from the field and scored 12 points in 26 minutes.
Green Bay has another tough test on the horizon, as the program welcomes SEC member Mizzou to the Kress Center for its next matchup on Saturday, November 16 at 1 p.m.

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---GreenBayPhoenix.com---