GREEN BAY, Wis. (Interstat) — The Green Bay Phoenix used a dominant first quarter and a stifling defensive performance to secure a 73-59 victory over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Resch Center.

The most important part of the game was its opening ten minutes, which effectively decided the contest. Green Bay established immediate control, racing to a 21-9 lead after the first quarter. The Phoenix set the tone defensively from the opening tip, forcing Oakland into rushed shots and costly turnovers. That early burst provided a cushion the Golden Grizzlies could never overcome, as Oakland spent the remainder of the game fighting an uphill battle against a disciplined Green Bay squad.

Green Bay improved to 16-5 overall and strengthened its position in the conference, while Oakland fell to 6-12.

The Phoenix were led by guard Maddy Skorupski, who scored 19 points in 31 minutes. The Clarkston, Michigan, native was a constant threat, adding three assists and spearheading a defensive effort that generated 13 team steals. Forward Jenna Guyer of Circle Pines, Minnesota, provided a well-rounded performance with 10 points and five assists, while Carley Duffney, a local product from Green Bay, contributed 12 points.

Oakland’s effort was led by Makenzie Luehring of Jackson, Wisconsin. The guard played 34 minutes and scored 15 points to go with four assists. Forward Lianna Baxter, from Marinette, Wisconsin, added 16 points and a block. Guard Filippa Goula of Ano Liosia, Greece, chipped in eight points and four assists.

Despite the lopsided start, Oakland showed resilience. The Golden Grizzlies outscored Green Bay 20-18 in the third quarter and shot a respectable 11 for 23 from three-point range for the game. However, they were undone by 18 turnovers, which Green Bay converted into 13 steals and numerous transition opportunities. The Phoenix also shared the ball effectively, tallying 13 assists to Oakland’s four.

Green Bay’s offensive efficiency was evident, as they scored 73 points on 70 possessions for an offensive rating of 104.7. Oakland managed 59 points on 66 possessions, an 89.8 offensive rating. The Phoenix shot 44.4% from the field (28 of 63), while the Golden Grizzlies struggled at 33.3% (19 of 57).

Oakland did find success on the offensive glass, grabbing 15 rebounds to Green Bay’s six, but could not translate those extra chances into enough points to close the gap. Both teams were efficient from the free-throw line, each making 10 of 12 attempts.

The victory continued Green Bay’s recent mastery over Oakland, following a 78-63 win over the Golden Grizzlies just two weeks prior on Jan. 8. National statistical models heavily favored the Phoenix entering the contest, projecting a 98.4% probability of a Green Bay win.

A crowd of 1,689 at the Resch Center watched the Phoenix methodically build and maintain their lead after the explosive first quarter. Green Bay led 41-25 at halftime and 59-45 after three quarters, never allowing Oakland to trim the deficit to single digits in the second half.

Oakland looks to rebound quickly, traveling to face Milwaukee on Saturday. Green Bay remains at home to host Detroit on Saturday as both teams continue Horizon League play.