Preview: Cleveland State Vikings at Green Bay Phoenix

ASHAWABENON, Wis. (Interstat) — A pivotal early Horizon League women’s basketball clash is set for Friday when the Cleveland State Vikings visit the Green Bay Phoenix at the Resch Center.

Cleveland State (12-3) enters looking to rebound from a rare home loss, a 70-63 setback against Youngstown State on Monday that snapped a five-game winning streak. The Vikings, who boast the conference’s best overall record, are led by standout guard Izabella Zingaro. She averages 15.1 points per game over her last seven contests, including a 22-point, 8-rebound performance in a win at Oakland on Dec. 6.

Green Bay (9-5) arrives with momentum after an emphatic 89-55 road victory at Wright State on Tuesday. The Phoenix offense was fueled by guard Jenna Guyer, who scored 21 points in that win. Guyer has been a consistent scorer, averaging 14.6 points over her last six games, including a 19-point effort in a narrow loss at Washington.

The matchup features a contrast in recent results. Cleveland State’s defense, which held four straight opponents under 62 points before the Youngstown State game, will be tested by a Green Bay team that just put up 89. The Vikings will rely on Zingaro and Macey Fegan, who also scored 14 in the last outing.

Green Bay seeks to protect its home court, where it is 4-1 this season, with the only loss to then-North Carolina State. The Phoenix have won three of their last four.

This game opens the Horizon League schedule for both teams and could provide an early indicator in the conference race. Cleveland State’s road record stands at 2-2, while Green Bay looks to build on its recent offensive explosion.

The teams will meet again in Cleveland on Feb. 19. Cleveland State visits Milwaukee on Sunday. Green Bay hosts Robert Morris on Sunday.