DETROIT, Mich. - A stellar defensive performance led the Green Bay women's basketball team to their eighth straight win on Saturday, as GB came out on top against Detroit Mercy, 53-39.
The Phoenix (15-5, 11-3) had two players score in double figures, Sydney Levy and Hailey Oskey, who each had 10 points. Reigning Freshman of the Week Bailey Butler finished with eight points and six boards.
The Green Bay defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 24 Detroit Mercy turnovers while only committing nine of their own. Those takeaways turned into 22 points on the offensive end of the floor. Meghan Pingel led the way individually for the Phoenix with three steals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling behind 8-6, Green Bay went on a 14-0 run with 4:06 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Schiltz, to take a 20-8 lead, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. Green Bay did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 20 points close to the basket.
The Phoenix offense went cold in the second quarter, making one of just 15 shots attempted. However, GB was locked in on the defensive end, only allowing the Titans to score nine points in the frame, taking a 26-17 lead into the break. Green Bay forced six Detroit Mercy turnovers in the period.
Green Bay started the third quarter a little better, going on an 8-0 run to start. The run was punctuated by a three from Brooklyn Blackburn to expand GB's lead further to 34-17 with 8:16 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Titans had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Phoenix still entered the fourth quarter with a 43-27 edge. Green Bay took advantage of eight Detroit Mercy turnovers in the quarter, scoring 11 points off of takeaways.
The fourth was a grind for both teams, but the Phoenix once again showed its defensive chops, holding the Titans to just 12 in the frame en route to a 53-39 win.
GAME NOTES
» Green Bay has won eight straight games, the longest win streak since the 2017-18 season.
» Despite winning the game by 14, the Phoenix shot 29.1-percent from the floor compared to 32.7-percent shooting from Detroit Mercy.
» The Green Bay defense held the Titans to just 18.2-percent shooting from downtown.
» The Phoenix never trailed after taking a 9-8 first quarter lead.
» The Green Bay bench outscored Detroit Mercy's, 26-18.
» Oskey has scored in double figures in 11 straight games, and 14 games this season.
» Green Bay was out rebounded 45-30.
UP NEXT
The Phoenix will start a three-game in five-day stretch starting next Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Kress. They'll also take on IUPUI at the Kress on Saturday, Feb. 19 before heading to Milwaukee for a Monday showdown against the Panthers.
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