Alexa Bailey looks for a teammate to inbound the ball. Photo via Collegian archives.

KELSIE KASPER | STAFF REPORTER | kkasper@butler.edu

The first half looked promising for an upset as the Butler University women’s basketball team came out strong Feb. 10 against the Marquette Golden Eagles, but it was not enough. The Bulldogs fell to Marquette 72-66.

Friday night’s game was one of the Bulldog’s best this season. They kept the game close during the first three quarters with three ties and 13 lead changes. They also kept the turnovers to a minimum, recording only nine. However, in the last minutes of the game, the Golden Eagles pulled ahead with their free throws. They outscored Butler 25-21 in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldog offense dominated the three point line making one after another. As a team, Butler made 14 from the three point line, which is two shy of the school record.

Sydney Buck scored a season high 21 points and was 7-for-15 from the 3-point range. Buck was also only two shy from beating the school record.

“I hit my first couple so i was feeling pretty good,” Buck said. “And I was feeling good in warm ups so it felt good to hit some in the game.”

Sydney Shelton shined in the first quarter by carrying 11 of the team’s 18 points. Michelle Weaver scored 14 points and Tori Schickel recorded nine points with a career-high six assists.

For the Golden Eagles, Sophomore Erika Davidson was the lead scorer as she posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Three other players scored double figures including Allazia Blockton, Natisha Hiedeman and Danielle King.

Although the Bulldogs came out strong with hot shooting and limited turnovers, they could not finish in the fourth. Marquette was able to hold onto their lead and pull through with a win.

Butler, now 5-19 on the season, will play another Big East match-up at Hinkle on Feb. 12 against No.16 DePaul at 1 p.m.