by By Stephen Wagner
GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – The Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team returned to the Kress Center for the first time in over two weeks on Thursday evening, overwhelming the Valparaiso Crusaders from start to finish, 81-42, en route its 11th consecutive victory and fourth straight in Horizon League play.
Junior Mehryn Kraker recorded a game-high 15 points in 18 minutes for Green Bay, as all 10 dressed players recorded points and at least one assist in the game. Senior Kaili Lukanadded 12 points and five steals for the Phoenix, while junior Tesha Buck (Mdewakanton Sioux) chipped in with nine points, four assists and four steals on 4-of-7 shooting.
Green Bay (14-2, 4-0 HL) shot 50.8 percent (31-of-61) from the field—the fourth time it has done so this season (4-0)— while continuing its stellar play on the defensive end, as the Phoenix held the Crusaders (6-10, 2-3 HL) to just 33.3 percent shooting (14-of-42) and forced 23 turnovers on the night.
Despite being outrebounded by eight in the opening half, 20-12, Green Bay connected on 4-of-9 from beyond the arc and was plus-nine in turnover margin (12-3) to take a 16-point advantage into intermission, 36-20.
The Phoenix would begin the third quarter by missing its first seven shots; however, it went on to outscore Valparaiso 19-7 over the final 6 minutes and 55 seconds of the period to earn its 19th straight victory over the Crusaders dating back to Jan. 8, 2008. Additionally, Green Bay improved to a perfect 15-0 at the Kress Center since dropping a 70-67 decision to Oakland on Feb. 4 last season.
Sophomore Jessica Lindstrom contributed eight points and a team-high eight rebounds for the Phoenix, who outscored the Crusaders by 32 points in the paint (44-12) and 28 points off turnovers (35-7).
Green Bay will have a quick turnaround as it prepares for its next Horizon League matchup on Saturday afternoon against the UIC Flames. Tip from the Kress Center is scheduled for 1 p.m.
