Bucknell University
3-8,0-0Patriot
Marquette
12-0,1-0Big East
Strong First Quarter Propels #19 Marquette Past Women's Basketball
12/21/2023 2:44:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MILWAUKEE, Wi. – The No. 19 Marquette Golden Eagles (12-0) used a decisive first quarter to storm past the Bucknell Bison (3-8), 67-39, on Thursday afternoon. The Bison battled hard but could not overcome the early deficit. Ashley Sofilkanich led Bucknell with 12 points. Emma Theodorsson added ten points. The defeat finishes Bucknell's regular season non-conference schedule for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Bison trailed from the opening tip. The ranked Golden Eagles' offense was potent and their defense kept Bucknell off the scoreboard until the 1:13 mark when Sofilkanich tallied a layup. Marquette built up a 21-0 score before Sofilkanich's deposit placed Bucknell in the scoring sheet. Blake Matthews added a bank shot to finalize the scoring at 23-4.
Bucknell played on more even terms in the second quarter. The Orange & Blue battled the Golden Eagles to a 15-10 tally despite not scoring during the 7:56-1:55 timeframe. Theodorsson collected four points to lead all Bison scorers, and Ashley O'Connor drained a beautiful three-pointer in transition. The halftime score was 38-14, Marquette.
The Bison came out with energy and continued to play tough basketball with Marquette. Bucknell put together a 6-0 scoring run when trailing 47-18. Theodorsson nailed a jumper, and Grace Sullivan tallied two baskets. The Golden Eagles added a basket to make it 49-24, entering the final stanza.
With the score 51-29, Marquette put the game away in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run. Bucknell broke the scoring streak with a Matthews free throw and two Sofilkanich baskets. Matthews hit a nothing-but-net three-pointer. The scoring ended, 67-39 Marquette when Sofilkanich tallied her final basket.
Up Next
The Bison will celebrate Christmas and the entrance of 2024 before traveling to Holy Cross on Jan. 3 to open Patriot League play.
