YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- Head coach Will Ryan notched his first win at the helm of the Green Bay men's basketball program on Saturday at Youngstown State, defeating the Penguins 79-69 behind a career-high 30 points from PJ Pipes.
 
YSU was slated to finish second in the Horizon League's preseason poll, and it was the first loss the Penguins suffered at home this season.
 
The first half followed a similar storyline as the previous pairing between the programs, with halftime only providing a single point of separation – this time favoring Youngstown State, 33-32.
 
A balanced offensive effort from the Phoenix provided the quality half, as eight different members added to the GB tally.
 
Green Bay has faced the top three rebounding teams in the conference from a statistical perspective in its first three league series, with Wright State and Youngstown State ranking first and second, respectively.
 
The Phoenix won the battle on the boards in its second matchup with the Raiders and did the same Saturday against the Penguins.
 
As time ticked under nine minutes in the second half, the improvement on the glass and the persistency of the Phoenix was evident as GB secured four-straight offensive rebounds.
 
Green Bay regained the lead with 3:33 to play when Stieber was able to save a ball which seemed destined for the sidelines and find an open Pipes for triple. Pipes fifth three-pointer of the game gave the Phoenix a 66-65 lead.
 
Pipes' triple was the 17^th lead change in the matchup; it would also be the last. The senior guard scored 12 of the final 14 points for Green Bay, solidifying a 79-69 victory.
 
The career afternoon for Pipes came behind a 7-of-11 performance from the floor which included a near-perfect 6-of-7 effort from long range. He also doled out five assists, snagged two rebounds and finished an impressive 10-for-10 from the free throw line.
 
Amari Davis secured his sixth-straight game in double figures, chipping in 13 points. Terrance Thompson broke into double digits as well with a career-high 11 points in 27 minutes.
 
Green Bay returns home next weekend to face Oakland at the Kress Center, taking the hardwood against the Golden Grizzlies on Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan.9 with both games scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip.

 

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