DETROIT, Mich. – It's shaping up to be a special season for the Green Bay women's basketball team. The Phoenix extended its winning streak to 16 in a row with a 76-60 win over Detroit Mercy on Saturday afternoon in the Motor City.
Green Bay's win streak is the third-longest in the country, following Purdue Fort Wayne's loss to Cleveland State earlier this afternoon. Only Notre Dame (17) and Grand Canyon (22) have longer win streaks than GB. Because of PFW's loss, Green Bay also moves into first place in the Horizon League, leading the Mastodons by a half-game. GB has three games remaining, while PFW has four.
Natalie McNeal was remarkable in the victory, pacing the Phoenix (23-5, 16-1 HL) with her 10th career double-double (23 points and 11 rebounds, both team-highs). Cassie Schiltz was the only other Phoenix to reach double figures, scoring 11 points. Maddy Schreiber added nine more off the bench, while Jasmine Kondrakiewicz, Miah Meyer, and Callie Genke each tallied eight points.
Emaia O'Brien led the Titans (13-11, 7-9 HL) with 22 points. Aaliyah McQueen added 10 more points for UDM.
HOW IT HAPPENED
McNeal jump-started the Phoenix by scoring eight of GB's first 10 points. With 2:45 to go in the first quarter, Natalie spun for an and-one, surpassing 1,000 points as a Phoenix. Her sensational effort helped Green Bay erupt for 28 points and a 17-point lead going into the second quarter. GB cooled off in the second frame, shooting just 3-of-11 as a team. Both squads got into major foul trouble, with the Phoenix piling up seven fouls while the Titans picked up five. GB was the better team from the charity stripe (4-for-5, UDM was 2-for-6), carrying momentum into the break leading 39-27.
In the blink of an eye, the Titans pulled to within six at 45-39 after a pair of Craig free throws. Schiltz was able to help stop Detroit Mercy from getting any closer, drilling a mid-range shot. The game was turned upside down from there on out by the Phoenix, ending the third period on a 14-0 run. UDM was held scoreless for the last 6:05 of the quarter, as GB's run was capped by a Schreiber triple to head into the fourth quarter leading 59-39. The Titans pulled to within 16 midway through the fourth quarter, but GB was in control the entire time and defeated Detroit Mercy by a final of 76-60.
GAME NOTES
» GB led for all but 4:17 of the game.
» The Phoenix had a 31-27 edge on the boards in the win.
» Green Bay's defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Schreiber and McNeal tied for a team-high five assists.
COMING UP
GB will turn its attention to next Wednesday night when the Phoenix visit Cleveland State. The Vikings are currently the number three seed, sitting 3.5 behind Green Bay. The Phoenix has three games left on the docket, while the Vikings have four games remaining. GB can clinch at least the two seed with a win.
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