DETROIT, Mich. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- A back-and-forth battle at Calihan Hall came down to the final seconds on Saturday night, as host Detroit Mercy was able to hold off Green Bay for a 68-65 victory.
 
A balanced effort from the Phoenix offense saw seven players score in the first half, leading to a three-point advantage at the break, 33-30.
 
The Phoenix went on a 15-2 run which spanned five minutes, 32 seconds in the heart of the first half and was aided by six points from Josh Jefferson and five from Emmanuel Ansong.
 
The Titans responded with a 13-2 run as the half closed to erase GB's advantage and make it a one-possession game at the break.
 
Green Bay took care of the ball and allowed only three turnovers in the first 20 minutes while forcing nine from the Titans, but the hosts shot an impressive 12-of-23 from the field to keep things close.
 
PJ Pipes had another perfect performance from the free throw line, extending his streak of consecutive makes to 34 dating back to last season.
 
There were eight lead changes in the final seven minutes as both programs went shot for shot down the stretch, but the Titans were able take control for good with just under four minutes remaining.
 
UDM's Noah Waterman drilled a three-pointer for his first points of the game and put the Titans in front by four, 62-58.
 
Jefferson buried his fourth triple of the game with 1:04 remaining to again bring Green Bay within one, 64-63.
 
It all came down to the final GB possession after UDM's Antoine Davis split at the line to put the Titans in front by three with less than five seconds remaining. Green Bay's attempt to tie in the final seconds missed its mark as Detroit Mercy held on for a 68-65 win.
 
Green Bay returns home next weekend to host Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday, Saturday at the Kress Center.
 
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