(BUTLER RELEASE)
INDIANAPOLIS – Jaia Alexander scored a career-high 22 points on Sunday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse, but it would not be enough as Butler dropped a 95-57 decision to visiting Marquette.
Alexander was the player of the game for Butler by adding a team-best five rebounds, two assists and a steal to her 22-point performance. Genesis Parker joined her in double figures with 10 points.
Tenley Dowell jumped into the starting lineup on Sunday and would provide the Bulldogs with seven points in 27 minutes. Grad transfer Micah Scheetz was also in the box score with seven points and three rebounds.
Marquette came out aggressive in the opening five minutes of action to grab a 14-4 lead. The Golden Eagles had three players with four points at the first media timeout and had already collected five offensive rebounds.
The balanced scoring attack gave Marquette a 12-point lead after the first quarter. Each team shot over 50 percent from the field, but the Golden Eagle defense would limit looks for the Bulldogs.
Jaia Alexander was the driving force for the BU offense early. She came up with 10 points over the first 10 minutes of action and hit a new season-high total in the second quarter. She had 16 points at the half on 6-of-8 shooting.
An 8-2 Marquette scoring run made up the opening moments of the third quarter. The 'Dawgs would shake off that slow start and come back to win the third quarter 20-19. Genesis Parker got going after the half and Alexander would have 20 points over the first 30 minutes.
Butler broke out a full-court press in the second half and would settle into a 2-3 zone defensively. The strategy helped in the third, but Marquette would figure it out in the fourth. The Golden Eagles outscored the Bulldogs 17-2 over the first five minutes of the fourth and would coast to the finish line.
The Bulldogs are not scheduled to play any games next week. The contest at Creighton originally scheduled for Jan. 27 has been postponed due to the Bluejays pausing team activities. BU will continue conference action on Wednesday, Feb. 3 when they host the Villanova Wildcats.
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