Best performance: Keifer Sykes, at Valparaiso, March 9
Sykes started the season with a 31-point performance against Chicago State. Valparaiso is no Chicago State and the Horizon League Tournament is more important than a non-conference game. Sykes almost willed the Phoenix to an upset victory over Horizon League champion. He matched his career high with those 31 points, while going 11-of-20 from the field. He did not just score, though, as he hauled in five rebounds and dished out six assists while also picking up two steals. But Sykes and Green Bay was left thinking "What might have been" after Valpo's Ryan Broekhoff hit a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer and Valpo made the NCAA Tournament.
Honorable mention: Keifer Sykes, vs. Chicago State; Sykes scored 31 points on 7-of-14 shooting and shot 19 free throws, making 17 in Green Bay's 72-67 season-opening victory.
Best unexpected performance: Jordan Fouse, vs. Cleveland State, Jan. 19
Fouse is known for stuffing the stat sheet without scoring a ton, but against Cleveland State, he showed he can score a bit too. He scored a career-high 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds and had four assists and three steals in leading Green Bay to a 77-50 victory over Cleveland State, capping a four game winning streak.
Honorable mention: Sultan Muhammad vs. Illinois-Springfield, Muhammad scored 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting in an 84-43 win; Cole Stefan at Loyola, Stefan went 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-5 from 3-point territory. He scored 13 points in all and added five rebounds in Green Bay's 73-65 win.
Best game: Green Bay vs. Marquette, Dec. 19
The Phoenix hosted Marquette for the first time at the Resch Center. Green Bay was coming in at 3-7 and had lost seven of its last eight. The lone senior, Brennan Cougill, also sat out the game. The good news was that it was 2-1 at home and it would be fired up playing against the eventual Big East co-champions. Green Bay started out strong, having a 25-16 lead with five minutes left in the first half. But the Golden Eagles dominated the final five minutes, going on a 15-2 run before a jumper by Kam Cerroni ended the half, as Green Bay trailed by two at halftime. The game was close throughout the second half, as the biggest lead of the half was just four points. With 35 seconds left and Green Bay ahead by a single point, Marquette's Vander Blue missed the front end of a 1-and-1, but Marquette secured the offensive rebound. The Golden Eagles wound down the clock on the last possession and had an open shot with three seconds left. But Jake Thomas missed the 3-pointer in the corner and Alec Brown secured the rebound. Brown was fouled and made one free throw and Marquette's last ditch effort missed and the Phoenix secured the upset 49-47.
Honorable mention: Green Bay vs. UIC, 64-63; Green Bay at Cleveland State, 66-59
Best play: Sultan Muhammad's game-winner vs. UIC, March 8
In a close game throughout, Green Bay took a six point lead with six minutes left. But Hayden Humes took over for UIC, going on a personal 7-0 run to take the lead 59-58 with three minutes left. With the game tied at 61, Keifer Sykes fouled Gary Talton on a jump shot. Talton made both free throws to put UIC up 63-61. On the final possession, Sykes dribbled the ball up the court. He dribbled past halfcourt and found an open Sultan Muhammad on the right wing. Muhammad buried the 3-pointer, giving the Phoenix the 64-63 win to advance and play Valparaiso the following day.
Honorable mention: Sykes' one-handed jam vs. Chicago State, Jordan Fouse's basket and foul vs. Milwaukee in Horizon League Tournament
Best moment: Green Bay upsetting Marquette, Dec. 19
Ever since I became a student at Green Bay, this was the game I really wanted to go to. As a Phoenix fan/student and also a Badgers fan, I hate Marquette with a passion. This was my last game as a student, so there would be nothing better than to go out on a high note and see the Phoenix upset one of my least favorite teams. The last few minutes, my legs were shaking the entire time. On the final possession, Marquette had an open shot with Jake Thomas, which would have won the game. When Thomas put the shot up, my heart was in my throat because I thought that shot was going in. When it didn't, I was so pumped up. It was the most fun I have had watching a basketball game ever. I don't know if any game will top it. What a way to end my collegiate career. A snowstorm hit the following day, forcing me to not be able to move back until Dec. 21 when I could have gone home after graduation because all my finals were completed. I also lost my voice during the game. It was all well worth it.
Honorable mention: Sultan Muhammad's game-winning 3-pointer vs. UIC, Alec Brown joins 1,000-point club with dunk at Milwaukee
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