Norfolk, Va. (March 18) - The fourth seeded Lady Monarchs (28-4) held on to win their NCAA first round game against Wisconsin Green Bay March 18, 94-85 at the Old Dominion Fieldhouse. Hamchetou Maiga (Bamako, Mali) led the Lady Monarchs with 24 points and seven rebounds.
The Lady Monarchs went on an 8-0 run to begin the game, but the Phoenix were able to handle the defensive pressure and hit a couple of three pointers to get back into the game.
While Wisconsin Green Bay played a tough man defense, the Lady Monarchs were able to rotate the ball and received scoring from both freshman guard Alli Spence (Lafayette, Colo.) and foward Maiga. They had 11 and 10 points at the break respectively.
The Lady Monarchs stuck with a 2-3 zone late into the second half where they were able to force 20 turnovers and convert on the offensive end. The game was tied 67-67 with 9:37 left in the game when Old Dominion began their run. They converted on a number of three point plays.
Foward Lucienne Berthieu (Rennes, France), who was back playing in her first game from her shoulder injury, got the ball underneath and converted on a number of layups and foul shots to lead the Monarchs' run.
The Lady Monarchs will play Southern Methodist, winner over North Carolina State at 7:05 Monday night at the Old Dominion Fieldhouse.