Airtight defense drives Green Bay past No. 23 Washington State in Cancun Challenge finale

GREEN BAY 59, WASHINGTON STATE 48

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX — Green Bay dialed up the defense and rang up an impressive victory in the finale of the 2023 Women’s Cancun Challenge with a victory over No. 23 Washington State.

The Phoenix (4-2), who beat then-No. 22 Creighton on Nov. 16, got 12 points from Maddy Schreiber and 11 points from Jenna Guyer, as Bailey Butler scored 10 points. Guyer scored eight of her points during a 10-8 Green Bay run in second quarter as the Phoenix claimed a 22-16 lead.

Green Bay had a four-point lead heading into the fourth quarter and looked composed in the moment by holding the Cougars (7-1) to nine points in the frame. Natalie McNeal had an offensive rebound and shot at the 7:09 mark to push the Phoenix ahead, 50-41. Schreiber put her team up double digits (52-41) with a field goal at 6:22, and Butler sealed the deal with a 3-pointer with 3:14 remaining to push the lead to 57-45.

Charlisse Leger-Walker had 17 points for WSU, and Tara Wallack added 16 points and six rebounds.

Here is the 2023 all-tournament team for the Mayan Division:

MVP — Charlisse Leger-Walker, Washington State

Tara Wallack, Washington State

Shyanne Sellers, Maryland

Jakia Brown-Turner, Maryland

Cassie Schiltz, Green Bay

Stephanie Kulesza, UMass

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