The Green Bay Phoenix put together another solid performance at the Paradise Jam after defeating the Iona Gaels, 80-75, behind another huge performance from a key guard.
Green Bay started the season with a 1-4 record before traveling to St. Thomas for the Paradise Jam with losses to Kansas, Buffalo, St. Thomas (MN), and Minnesota. The losing continued with an opening round loss to Yale, but back-to-back wins over UMass and Iona have given the team some life.
At 3-5 with games against Robert Morris and Wright State in the near future, the Phoenix have picked up potentially key wins ahead of a tough conference schedule. A season ago, Green Bay won just two conference games.
Justin Allen Scores 28 Points Against Iona to Fuel Phoenix Win
The last two games have been thrilling wins that have gone down to the wire as the Phoenix’ offense has begun to click. The heart of the scoring has been Justin Allen who has 55 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals the past two games.
The former Carnegie Mellon guard was a little known entry into the transfer portal this past off-season despite putting up impressive numbers. Allen averaged 25.4 points per game last season and 21.4 points per game two seasons ago. Last season, Allen broke the program record at Carnegie Mellon for a single game with a 50-point performance against Dickinson.
Allen has become known as a scoring threat due to his multi-level scoring capabilities and extreme range from outside. The guard has a quick release and a willingness to shoot from anywhere from outside. Allen also holds the Carnegie Mellon school record for most three-pointers made in a single game with nine.
Against the Gaels, Allen dropped 28 points with four triples, eight free-throws, and a 50% field goal percentage.
Allen did not do things on his own either as CJ O’Hara dropped 17 points while adding two blocks and a steal. Fellow guard and Hartland, Wisconsin native Mac Wrecke broke a three-game scoreless streak with a 14-point performance. Forward Caden Wilkins was a rebound shy of a double-double but continued to struggle from the field, shooting just 43.9% this season.
Allen Returns to Form After Slow Few Games to Start the Season
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Allen did not transfer into Green Bay with expectations of a major role within the team. Rather, Allen looked for a change in scenery to prove himself at a different level after two particularly dominant seasons at Carnegie Mellon. Now, the Phoenix may have someone who can truly help fuel the team on their hands as the scoring leader Marcus Hall remains sidelined.
The guard got off to a rough start to the season before providing a glimpse into what he is capable of against UMass and Iona. Allen combined for just 28 points through the first four games of the season with limited playing time and offensive opportunities. Yale proved to be difficult as well for the guard as a missed three-point attempt streak grew to nine.
The last two games, Allen has not just come to life from outside with five made shots in his last 12 three-point attempts, but the guard has also consistently found ways to get to the foul line. Allen shot 25 free throw attempts in the two games which proved to be vital. If the Phoenix can find a way to continue to feed Allen consistently even after Hall returns, the Green Bay offense could become formidable.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here
