Green Bay Phoenix Clinch Share of Horizon League Title with Late Road Win
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A clutch three-pointer from Jenna Guyer with just 16 seconds remaining secured a 54-51 victory for the Green Bay Phoenix over the Youngstown State Penguins on Saturday, clinching a share of the Horizon League Regular Season title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament.
The Green Bay Phoenix (20-5, 15-0 Horizon League) saw two players reach double figures, led by Guyer’s impressive performance of 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Meghan Schultz contributed 14 points to the effort, while Kamy Peppler added seven points, five assists, and two steals.
The Phoenix demonstrated strong ball movement throughout the game, totaling 15 assists on 20 made field goals. Peppler led the team in assists with five.
Green Bay’s defense proved pivotal, holding Youngstown State to a 36.7% shooting percentage from the field and a mere 17.2% from beyond the arc. The Phoenix also effectively limited Erica King to 5-of-17 shooting.
How the Game Unfolded
Green Bay quickly established a lead, jumping out to a 14-11 advantage before extending it to 19-11 with a 5-0 run late in the first quarter. The Phoenix entered the first quarter break leading 21-15.
Maintaining their advantage in the second quarter, Green Bay headed into halftime with a narrow 32-31 lead. The Phoenix excelled in the paint, scoring eight of their 11 points close to the basket.
After surrendering their halftime lead, Green Bay responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a basket from Schultz, to regain a 42-35 lead with 4:13 remaining in the third quarter. Despite the Penguins narrowing the gap, the Phoenix entered the fourth quarter with a 42-39 edge.
Youngstown State briefly seized a 51-46 lead with just over three minutes left in regulation. However, Guyer ignited a personal 5-0 run to tie the game at 51-51 before ultimately sinking the game-winning three-pointer to secure the 54-51 victory.
Game Notes
Guyer’s final eight points came consecutively, effectively closing out the game for Green Bay.
This marks the Phoenix’s second consecutive 20-win season under second-year head coach Kayla Karius, and their fourth overall as a program.
Green Bay forced 14 turnovers while committing 15 of their own.
The Phoenix have secured at least a share of the Horizon League regular season title for the second year in a row, and for the third time in the last four seasons.
Green Bay’s all-time record against Youngstown State now stands at 52-6.
The Phoenix have won 36 consecutive games against Horizon League opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Green Bay Phoenix will travel to Cleveland State on Wednesday to face the Vikings at 6 p.m. CST. They will then return to the Kress Center on Valentine’s Day for the Pink Zone Game against Northern Kentucky, with a 1 p.m. CST tip-off.
