by DAYTON, Ohio (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – Green Bay ended its road trip in Dayton, Ohio this afternoon, taking the floor at the Nutter Center against second-place Wright State in a battle of the top two teams in Horizon League play. The Phoenix (17-2, 7-0) offense was slow to start, but got things rolling in the second quarter of play and never looked back, working towards a 63-58 victory.
Green Bay allowed nine of Wright State’s (15-5, 5-2) 15 points to come off of turnovers in the opening quarter of play. However, after talking things over at the break, the Phoenix cleaned up its offensive effort and outscored Wright State 18-10 in the second quarter to lead the Raiders 30-25 at the half. Tesha Buck (Mdewakanton Sioux) hit a three-pointer to close the second quarter, her third of the night and the 160th of her career, which ranks tied for fifth place on Green Bay’s all-time three-point field goals made list with Sara Boyer (2000-03).
Green Bay seemed to be in control after the break and held a 48-40 lead heading into the final quarter, when Wright State began to chip away at the Phoenix advantage. The Raiders opened the quarter with a 10-4 run and pulled within two of the Phoenix (52-50). Senior Kaili Lukan then hit a jumper with 4:27 remaining to stop the Raiders’ run and compose the Phoenix.
With 25 seconds remaining and time continuing to dwindle away, Green Bay had possession and held a 59-58 lead. Wright State was forced to send Lukan to the line for a pair of free throws in hopes of a comeback. Lukan made both attempts at the line and increased the Phoenix’s lead to three points (61-58).
Demmings took a three-pointer in hopes of matching the Phoenix at 61, but her attempt fell off the front of the rim and Allie LeClaire pulled down the rebound for the Phoenix. LeClaire was then fouled by Wright State and made both free throws to seal the 63-58 victory.
Green Bay has now won 14-straight games and continues to be undefeated on the road, at home and in league play this season.
Lukan poured in 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting and doled out five assists in 34 minutes. LeClaire added 13 points to the Green Bay total and finished 4-for-5 at the line in 34 minutes. Buck finished with 11 points on the afternoon on 4-of-6 shooting in 28 minutes.
Sophomore Jessica Lindstrom finished with six points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds in 24 minutes.
Green Bay will now enjoy a four-game home stand starting with Oakland on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., followed by a matchup with Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m.
