ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – Justin Allen totaled 27 points and C.J. O'Hara added 21, and the Green Bay men's basketball team defeated the UMass Minutemen 79-75 at Elridge Wilburn Blake Sports and Fitness Center Saturday. Green Bay will play the winner of Iona/Oregon State in the fourth-place game on Monday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. CST.
Caden Wilkins was the third Phoenix in double figures, scoring 12 in his first start of the season. Preston Ruedinger chipped in with nine points and five rebounds.
"Obviously, I couldn't be prouder of our group," said head coach Doug Gottlieb. "Frank Martin (UMass) is a friend, mentor, and with today being the anniversary of my father's passing 11 years ago, it was even more special to have our group compete against such an outstanding coach. Without Marcus Hall, Justin Allen and C.J. O'Hara carried us. We limited our turnovers (8), and we were nearly even on the offensive boards (7 to 9). We also made 80% of our free throws. Thanks to so many in the Phamily who have reached out. On Monday, we will play for the consolation championship."
HOW IT HAPPENED
After jumping out to a 17-15 advantage, Green Bay went on a 10-0 run with 7:12 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Wilkins, to increase its lead to 27-15. The Phoenix then lost some of that lead but still entered halftime with a 33-25 advantage. Green Bay did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 22 of its 33 points close to the basket.
UMass started to chip away at that Phoenix lead before GB once again responded with a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 51-42 with 13:18 to go. The Minutemen would not go down without a fight, however, as they'd pull it back within a one-possession game multiple times under the four-minute mark. The Phoenix would not surrender the lead thanks to Allen and O'Hara going 9-for-10 from the charity stripe down the stretch, securing the 79-75 win.
GAME NOTES
» Green Bay never trailed after taking the lead at 15-13.
» Allen, O'Hara, and Wilkins combined to account for 76 percent of the Phoenix points.
» Allen and O'Hara's 20+ point efforts are each their first of the season.
» UMass outrebounded Green Bay 30-24.
» The Phoenix won the battle in the paint 38-28.
COMING UP
Green Bay will play in the 4th/6th place game on Monday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. CST. They'll play the winner of Iona/Oregon State.
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