Jan. 26, 2001

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Tonya Phifer's three-point attempt with 1.1 seconds to go was short and Marquette escaped Halton Arena with a 57-55 win over the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team Friday night. The Eagles, who had trailed the Niners much of the night, took the lead with a pair of Sarah Zawodny free throws with 28 seconds remaining.

Zawodny finished the night with 13 points. Heidi Bowman was the top scorer for Marquette (8-10, 4-3 C-USA) with 17, including 12 from behind the arc. Tonya Phifer poured in 20 points to lead Charlotte (5-12, 1-6 C-USA). It was her sixth 20-point game of the season.

The 49ers took the lead early, methodically running their offense to build an eight-point advantage, 18-10, on a Quidara Russell basket with 9:12 to play in the first half. By halftime, however, the Golden Eagles had managed to cut that margin in half and trailed, 28-24.

Marquette retook the lead in the opening minutes of the second period, which featured eight lead changes and three ties in the first nine minutes. A pair of Jennifer Williams' free throws tied the game for Charlotte, 43-43, 10:43 to play. Minutes later, she knocked down a short jumper to give the 49ers a six-point lead with 4:08 to play. The Golden Eagles ended the game with eight straight points, including the last four from the free throw line, to earn the win. The Niners had several chances to force overtime, but were unable put down a shot. During their late run, the Eagles forced a turnover and drew a pair of fouls.

The Niners return to action Sunday, Jan. 28, when they host DePaul at 2:00.