The 3rd Man In

Panthers headed north to face rival

Green Bay Phoenix (19-4, 9-1) vs. Milwaukee Panthers (15-9, 5-5)
Location: Resch Center – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Broadcast: TV: Time Warner Cable SportsChannel & HLN; Radio: WISN-AM1130

Nearly a week ago the Milwaukee Panthers knocked off the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to record their second straight victory, moving them into fifth place in the Horizon League standings. Now they will head north to face instate rival Green Bay, who has been clearly the best team in conference this season.

Last season the Panthers were swept by the Phoenix including a defeat in the Horizon League Tournament. The Panthers continued to struggle against them this season blowing a big second half lead, to eventually fall in overtime at home.

The Phoenix’s only blemish on their conference record came a week and a half ago when they were man handled by Valparaiso 75-60 on the road.

Overall this season Green Bay has done an outstanding job on both sides of the ball. They are averaging 76.4 point on 47.5 percent shooting per game. Their defense is only allowing 65.1 points per game, as their opponents are shooting 39.1 percent from the floor.

Guard Keifer Sykes has been the Phoenix’s top player, and arguably the best player in the Horizon League so far this season as he is averaging 20.5 points while making 48.3 percent of his shoots and grabbing 4.3 rebounds per game.

Joining Sykes in the starting lineup will guards Vince Garrett and Jordan Fouse, forward Greg Mays, and center Alec Brown.

Milwaukee will counter with their usual lineup featuring guards Steve McWhorter and Jordan Aaron, and forwards Austin Arians, Matt Tiby and Kyle Kelm.

The Panthers showed in their first matchup against the Phoenix this season that they can play at the same level as them. Now the key will be to play a complete game while limiting the amount of bad possessions offensively. Playing at Green Bay is never an easy game, and it will be difficult for the Panthers to walk away victorious.

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