GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay men's basketball team had a strong second half, but it wasn't enough against Northern Kentucky, falling 71-62 Friday night at the Kress Center.
Cade Meyer had another stellar night for the Phoenix (4-20, 3-12), pouring in 14 points to lead the team. Manny Ansong added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Nate Jenkins chipped in with 11 points.
Marques Warrick did the majority of NKU's damage, pouring in 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Norse pulled out to a quick 4-0 start, thanks to a Warrick three. Green Bay would respond well, and take a 10-9 lead with 13:39 to go after a Manny Ansong layup. NKU would respond, going up by as much as nine in the first half. Sam Vinson made a layup to make it a 26-17 ballgame with 4:35 left. The Phoenix would have an answer of their own, doubling up the Norse 8-4 going into intermission to make it only a five-point deficit. Ansong led GB with 8 points at the half but also contributed with a block, steal, and four rebounds.
Meyer started the scoring just 16 seconds into the second frame for the Phoenix, driving through traffic in the lane for a layup. Green Bay would go cold, however, and NKU took advantage by going on a 13-2 run to balloon their lead to 14 at 43-29 with 13:17 to go. The Norse would retain a double-digit lead for the next 9:33, but the Phoenix would not go away. A pair of Meyer free throws pulled GB within eight with 3:44 to go. Jenkins would cut the lead to six after knocking down a free throw. Green Bay would intentionally foul down the stretch to try to shrink the lead even further, but it was too little too late, with NKU going 6-for-6 in the final 47 seconds, to hold on for the 71-62 win.
GAME NOTES
» Jenkins led GB in assists for a second consecutive game, collecting four against the Norse.
» Friday was the second straight game Jenkins has hit double figures. He's also scored 10+ points in three out of the last four.
» Green Bay's bench outscored NKU's bench, 14-10.
» Meyer scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.
» The Phoenix had a 26-23 advantage on the boards.
» Manny Ansong led all players with 36 minutes.
» The Norse scored 16 points on the fast break.
» Green Bay collected 13 offensive boards in the game, compared to NKU's five.
» Ansong led the Phoenix with eight rebounds, including three on the offensive end.
» The Norse were on fire, shooting 53.3-percent from the floor and 46.7-percent from three.
UP NEXT
Green Bay will close out the week with a Sunday afternoon showdown at Milwaukee. The Panthers are coming off a 60-57 upset victory over Wright State Friday night. GB will pick it up at home next Friday against Purdue Fort Wayne, and conclude the 2021 home schedule with a matinee game against Cleveland State on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
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