Phoenix unable to break losing streak against Jags

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Photo courtesy of Green Bay Athletics

Wednesday night felt different. An IU Indy team came into Green Bay having been on a long losing streak of their own, and the Phoenix had just taken Youngstown State to the limit on Sunday.  It felt different, until it wasn’t.  At least not in the final result, as the Jaguars were able to take down Green Bay 86-77. But, to quote Bob Dylan, after watching this team progress and grow, it really feels like “the times they are a changin.”

The game itself got off to a slow start by the Phoenix, when IU Indy made its opening 2 three-pointers to get off to a 6-0 lead. As they tend to do though, the Phoenix chipped away at it, as Jeremiah Johnson made a free throw, followed by a Marcus Hall layup, and a later a Mac Wrecke three to tie things up.  After a made free throw by the Jaguars, Wrecke scored again to give Green Bay its first, and ultimately only, lead of the game at 8-7.  This brief lead exchange would prompt the Jaguars to heat up from three, as 5 of their next 7 made shots came from deep.  The Phoenix were able to answer a few of the shots, including a Preston Ruedinger made triple, but the Jaguars run would be enough to put them up 27-17 at the under 8 media break.  

Coming out of the timeout, Keenan Garner was on the line, and made both free throws to extend the lead to 12. Ruedinger made another three, which was promptly answered by Sean Craig splashing a deep ball as well. As the half ticked away, the Jaguars would flirt with a 20 point lead, getting the advantage up to 18.  Ryan Wade did make a 3 in the final minute, which Craig answered with a layup in the waning seconds of the half giving IU Indy a 46-29 halftime lead.  

The halftime advantage came from an unbelievable 3 point shooting clip, as IU Indy was 15-30 from the field, but 10-15 from behind the arc.  

The Jaguars shooting carried over into the second half, as IU Indy started the half on a 6-2 run, before Jeremiah Johnson got Green Bay on the board again. Johnson’s bucket was immediately answered by Craig on a layup, putting the Jaguars back up by 21, at 54-33.  Ryan Wade hit a 3 to cut the Jaguars lead briefly under 20, but was once again answered by a made 3 from Paul Zilinkskas. 

This would go on to be the theme for the majority of the second half, as any run Green Bay could make to cut into the deficit, the Jaguars answered with a a deep 3 to put it right back to around 20 points. IU Indy’s lead did get as large as 22, after the final media break of the ballgame, but Green Bay had one last rally. 

Yonatan Levy started the effort with a made layup, followed by a pair of Hall free throws. Johnson and Wade each made threes, cutting the lead to 81-69 in the final minute.  CJ O’Hara came off the bench and immediately got back to back And-1 opportunities, which he converted the first but not the second.  Ultimately the Phoenix rally would run out of time, with Ruedinger making the final bucket of the game in the closing seconds.  

IU-Indy shot a blistering 15-24 from three for the game, being led in scoring by Craig, who had 24 points, with Zilinskas adding 21, including 5-for-8 from deep.  

Green Bay did have one of its best scoring efforts as a team, post Anthony Roy’s injury, as five Phoenix players reached double figures.   Johnson led the way with 18 points, falling just shy of his career high of 21.  Hall and Wrecke each contributed 12, with Wade and Ruedinger each adding 11.  

Gottlieb did speak to media members after the game. He spoke for about 35 minutes, and spoke on not just the game but the process and the growth of the team.  You can see the full press conference below. Some of the highlights include addressing the progress of the young team, speaking glowingly about the five freshman playing key minutes, as well as the veteran leadership from Ruedinger.   He did also provide somewhat of an update on the Roy injury, indicating they expect him to play yet this season.  

A brief commentary, Phoenix fans and haters alike should genuinely take the time to watch this press conference.  It’s an incredibly transparent and heartfelt look at this team and the program.  

Green Bay hits the road for its next 4 games, starting with a trip to Cleveland State on Saturday to face the league leading Vikings.  Tipoff is set for 2pm CT from the Wolstein Center.  

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