The Green Bay Phoenix welcome an old friend to the Resch Center on Wednesday night, hosting former fellow Mid-Continent Conference rival Eastern Illinois.
The visting Panthers weren’t very gracious as they raced to an 18 point lead in the first half, led by 13 at the break and after a minor Green Bay run, were still up 13 with just over 8 minutes to play.
That’s when Phoenix Head Coach Linc Darner switched from a man to man defense to a 1-3-1 zone and that allowed Green Bay to creep close.
Down 57-51, Green Bay scored the final 8 points of the game on a Khalil Small three point basket which was followed by a steal and another three from freshman Sukhjot Bains. With the score tied, Bains drove down the middle of the lane and dropped in the close range hoop to put the Phoenix on top 59-57.
EIU had one last look but the final shot missed.
Small led Green Bay with 20 points while Bains finished with a career high 10. At 3-4, the Phoenix travel to Missouri on Saturday.
