The reigning Horizon League tournament champion Green Bay Phoenix had to work overtime to win their conference opener at Cleveland State Thursday night, prevailing 76-75 in a game it tried hard to lose.
The Phoenix had a five point lead with just over a minute to play but missed free throws and a couple of three point Viking baskets got the game even.
Tevin Findley had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed both free throws with two seconds to play.
In the extra period, Green Bay got back to the line and made enough around a Kerem Kanter basket to get the win.
The game was marred by 59 fouls called. The Phoenix paraded to the line 41 times but made only 23. Cleveland State wasn’t much better at 16 for 26 from the stripe.
Charles Cooper, battling a lower body injury, led Green Bay with 17 points, Kanter had 11 with a game high 14 rebounds.
The Phoenix are now 3-0 in overtime games this year. Green Bay (7-6, 1-0) stays on the road to play Youngstown State on Saturday.
