Allen's 21 points leads Green Bay past Purdue Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Justin Allen  scored 21 points to help lead the Green Bay men's basketball team over Purdue Fort Wayne 72-54 on the road on New Year's Day.

The Phoenix (7-8, 2-2) had four players score in double figures, led by Allen, who finished with 21 points and six rebounds. Caden Wilkins  tacked on a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Marcus Hall  chipped in as well with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Corey Hadnot II led Purdue Fort Wayne (8-8, 2-3) with 21 points, and Maximus Nelson added 12 points.

The Green Bay win ended its nine-game losing streak against the Mastodons; the last win came on January 23, 2021.

HEAD COACH DOUG GOTTLIEB
"Obviously, we are very proud of our young men. Fort Wayne has elite guard play, and they are exceptionally well coached, so to lead start to finish is a testament to our readiness to play. Caden Wilkins  with shooting and a double-double was huge! Justin Allen  did his thing creating offense, and C.J. O'Hara was dynamic at both ends! Now, we need every man, woman, and child at the Kress on Monday night for UWM. These young men deserve a packed house and a chance at the preseason pick to win the league!"
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Green Bay started hot, storming ahead 15-0 to start the game, capped off by a pair of Hall free throws with 13:54 left in the first half. Purdue Fort Wayne battled back well the rest of the half, cutting the Phoenix lead to 30-24 at the break.

Following intermission, Green Bay built its lead back up to as many as 13 points before finding themselves up 62-54 with 2:28 to go. In the final two minutes and change, Green Bay finished strong, going on a 10-0 run to close it out and grab the 72-54 win.

GAME NOTES
» Green Bay never trailed.
» Green Bay had a 35-21 edge on the boards, including 7-5 offensively.
» Green Bay was an efficient 23-of-25 on free throws.

UP NEXT
Green Bay is set to host the first game of a three-game home stand against Milwaukee on Monday at the Kress Center. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.