The Wisconsin, Milwaukee Panthers pulled off a stunning 75-72 upset over the Wisconsin, Green Bay Phoenix, defying their 251 NET ranking and handing Green Bay, ranked 221, a costly loss. This shocker has real consequences for both teams' tournament hopes, with Milwaukee's win potentially vaulting them into the conversation for a postseason berth. The Panthers' 11-17 record now looks more respectable, given their recent form, where they averaged 74.8 points per game over their last five contests, albeit with a 1-4 record in that stretch. Green Bay, on the other hand, had been trending upwards, outscoring opponents by 3.6 points per game over their last five, with a 3-2 record, including a 76-59 win over Purdue Fort Wayne and a 87-84 victory at Northern Kentucky.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with Green Bay taking a 31-25 lead into the half, thanks in large part to Marcus Hall's 18 first-half points. However, Milwaukee adjusted their defense in the second half, holding Hall to just 14 points, and Chandler Jackson's 23 points, including 7 in the final 5 minutes, was the difference. Jackson's performance was complemented by Stevie Elam's 11 points and 5 rebounds, as well as Aaron Franklin's 9 points and 5 rebounds. The Panthers' ability to contain Green Bay's offense in the second half, limiting them to just 41 points, was a key factor in their victory. Milwaukee's recent trend of allowing 79.4 points per game over their last five contests made this defensive effort all the more impressive.
Chandler Jackson's 23 Points Lead Milwaukee to Upset Win
Beyond the numbers, it was clear that Jackson was the catalyst for Milwaukee's upset. He hit several big shots, including a crucial three-pointer with 2:30 remaining to give the Panthers a 4-point lead. Hall, on the other hand, was unable to replicate his first-half magic, and his teammates struggled to pick up the slack. Preston Ruedinger's 12 points and 5 assists were a notable exception, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Panthers' balanced attack. C.J. O'Hara's 10 points were also a bright spot for Green Bay, but the team's inability to get him involved in the second half was a missed opportunity. Milwaukee's bench outscored Green Bay's 15-10, with 7 of those points coming in the final 10 minutes.
The CHD Scout prediction of a 75-78 Green Bay win, with a 2.6-point margin, looked plausible at halftime, but Milwaukee's second-half surge was the difference.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The prediction model missed the mark due to its underestimation of Milwaukee's defensive capabilities. The Panthers' ability to adjust their defense and contain Hall in the second half was a key factor in their victory. Additionally, the model failed to account for Jackson's clutch gene, as he consistently came up with big plays when it mattered most. Green Bay's recent trend of outscoring opponents by 3.6 points per game over their last five contests also made them look like a more formidable opponent than they ultimately was. The model's prediction was also influenced by Green Bay's 3-2 record over their last five games, which included a 76-63 win over Detroit Mercy and a 87-84 victory at Northern Kentucky.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win could be a turning point for Milwaukee. With 11 wins and a NET ranking of 251, they still have an outside chance at a postseason berth, particularly if they can build on this momentum. Green Bay, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as this loss could drop them out of the tournament conversation altogether. The Phoenix's recent form, which included a 75-83 loss to Wright State and a 82-89 loss to Cleveland State, has been inconsistent, and this loss will only add to their concerns. Milwaukee's win also snaps a 4-game losing streak, which included a 62-67 loss to Northern Kentucky and a 63-76 loss to Detroit Mercy.
This upset win could potentially vault Milwaukee onto the bubble, particularly if they can string together a few more victories. With a quad 4 win over Green Bay, the Panthers have improved their resume and given themselves a chance to make a late push for a postseason spot. Green Bay, on the other hand, must win out and get some help from other teams to get back into the tournament picture. The loss drops them to 15-13, and their NET ranking of 221 will likely take a hit. The Phoenix's quad 4 loss to Milwaukee will also be a concern, as it comes on the heels of a 75-83 loss to Wright State and a 82-89 loss to Cleveland State. Milwaukee's recent trend of being outscored by 4.6 points per game over their last five contests makes this win all the more impressive, and it will be interesting to see if they can build on this momentum.
The implications of this game are far-reaching, with both teams' tournament hopes hanging in the balance. Milwaukee's win has given them new life, and they want to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. Green Bay, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as this loss has dealt a significant blow to their postseason chances. The Panthers' 75-72 win over the Phoenix will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond in the coming weeks. With 5 games remaining on their schedule, Milwaukee must win at least 3 of them to have a realistic chance at a postseason berth. Green Bay, on the other hand, must win out and get some help from other teams to get back into the tournament picture. The next few weeks matters for both teams, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the challenges ahead. Milwaukee's win has also given them a much-needed boost in confidence, and they want to carry this momentum into their next game against IU Indianapolis. Green Bay, on the other hand, must bounce back from this loss and regroup before their next game against Purdue Fort Wayne.