The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Green Bay Holds Off Wisconsin, 81-76, to Hand Badgers First Loss
By Megan McCarthy
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay built a 15-point halftime lead, weathered a Wisconsin second-half rally and closed out an 81-76 victory at the Kress Center, handing the Badgers their first loss of the season in front of more than 3,000 fans.
The Phoenix improved to 2-2, while Wisconsin fell to 4-1. Green Bay never trailed, setting the tone with a 27-12 first quarter in which it forced eight Wisconsin turnovers. The Phoenix extended their advantage to 47-32 by halftime and led by as many as 20 in the opening half.
McKenna Johnson delivered a career-high 24 points, making seven 3-pointers. That total tied for the second-most 3-pointers in program history. Johnson also grabbed six rebounds.
Elisa Mevius added 20 points and was perfect at the free-throw line, converting all seven attempts. Maddy Skorupski contributed 10 points, 14 assists, eight rebounds and five steals. Her 14 assists tied for the second-most in program history.
Wisconsin made its push in the third quarter, outscoring Green Bay 24-16 to cut the deficit to 63-56 entering the fourth. The Badgers used a 7-0 run and a separate 9-0 run to pull within seven, putting pressure on the Phoenix after Green Bay had controlled the opening half.
Mevius answered with a jumper at the third-quarter buzzer, stemming the momentum as the teams headed into the final period. Green Bay then closed out the game in the fourth quarter, with clutch free-throw shooting helping preserve the five-point victory.
Addison Deal led Wisconsin with 16 points. Teagan Mallegni scored 15, while Alicia Courthiau finished with 12 points, five assists and four steals.
The Phoenix’s early defensive pressure and perimeter scoring gave them the cushion they needed to withstand Wisconsin’s comeback attempt. Johnson’s seven 3-pointers, Mevius’ scoring and Skorupski’s playmaking highlighted a balanced Green Bay performance.
Green Bay finished with the 81-76 win, moving to 2-2 and ending Wisconsin’s unbeaten start.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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