Preview: Green Bay

New Year's Eve will play host to a game between Valpo and Green Bay. This a bit of down year for the Phoenix, as they lost two important players to graduation. Those two were Bryquis Perine and Rahmon Fletcher. Quite honestly, the Women's basketball team at Green Bay is having a better year, but they are ranked and went undefeated in their non-conference schedule. Green Bay is coming in at 5-6 on the year, and being but so far 2-0 in conference play. Let's not assume any game will be a win.

Game Preview: Again, I like Valpo's chances in this one. Green Bay is a little down this year, but they still have their stud center Alec Brown, who is only a sophmore. He averages almost 15 ppg and 8 rpg. At 7'1, he only weighs 215. Kevin Van Wijk is only 6'8, but weighs 230. I imagine Van Wijk will draw the assignment, with Edwards and possibly Vucic rotating in and out. It will an interesting matchup to keep your eye on. Brown also blocks 3 shots per game. In terms of scoring, the Phoenix don't have any players that stand out on paper besides Brown, since there the next guy after him only averages about 7 ppg. I think Broekhoff will really have a big game in this one, since Green Bay does not really have someone that matches up too well with him. Broekhoff has size, quickness, and versatility that not too many other players in the Horizon have.

Prediction: Valpo wins 73-64.


Green Bay notables:

Alumni- some notable alumni include Jill Lajdziak, the general manager of Saturn automobiles; Jeff Nordgaard and Logan Vande Velden, both NBA players; and Robert Cowles and Dave Hansen, both now Wisconsin State Senators.

Faculty- Michael Monfils, the mayor of Green Bay, is on the faculty.

UWGB was not established as an institution until 1965.