Milwaukee City Wire

Wright State ended the Milwaukee women's basketball team's season with a 70-60 victory in the Barbasol Horizon League Women's Basketball Championship quarterfinals. The Raiders overcame a four-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter, closing the game on a decisive 19-5 run.

Anna Lutz led Milwaukee's efforts with 17 points, including 15 in the second half. Kamy Peppler contributed 15 points, and Angie Cera added 12. Despite their efforts, Wright State outscored Milwaukee 42-30 in the second half and dominated the boards with a 24-16 rebounding advantage.

"We gave a great effort, but we just didn't execute the game plan fully," said head coach Kyle Rechlicz. She noted that when Wright State took a lead at 59-57, Milwaukee struggled to maintain composure. "We started rushing shots, which was uncharacteristic of us instead of letting the offense work for each other."

Rechlicz also commented on Milwaukee's rebounding struggles: "We didn't have that same level of aggressiveness this game." She credited Wright State for boxing out effectively and capitalizing on offensive rebounds during crucial moments.

Layne Ferrell and Alexis Hutchison were key players for Wright State, scoring a combined 18 points in the fourth quarter. Hutchison finished with a game-high 23 points while Ferrell added 17.

The first quarter ended evenly before Milwaukee gained an eight-point lead following Kendall Nead's three-pointer. However, Wright State closed the gap to trail by two at halftime. The third quarter saw multiple lead changes before Wright State entered the final period with a three-point advantage.

Milwaukee briefly regained control after Jada Donaldson assisted Peppler's three-pointer to make it 53-51. Lutz extended their lead from free throws, but turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Wright State to pull away decisively.

Nead recorded seven points and five rebounds for Milwaukee while Jorey Buwalda scored eight points. Lutz led defensively with three blocks; Nead had two steals.

The loss marked the end of careers for seniors Cera, Nead, Grace Crowley, Kalvina Eubanks, and Lior Halevi. Rechlicz praised them: "All five of our seniors are uniquely special... they're wonderful people; I couldn't have asked for a better senior group."

Milwaukee concluded its season with an overall record of 16-16 and will begin its next campaign in November 2024.