The Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball team couldn't overcome a hot-shooting Northern Iowa squad Tuesday night, falling 89-76 at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

 

Despite four players scoring in double figures, the Phoenix struggled to slow down the Panthers, who shot an impressive 67.3% from the field and 52.6% from three-point range.

 

Green Bay got off to a strong start, using back-to-back three-pointers from Marcus Hall to take a 10-8 lead early in the first half.

 

The Phoenix extended their advantage to 17-14 following a three-point play from Orlando Lovejoy, but Northern Iowa responded with a 24-9 run over the next 10 minutes to take control.

 

The Panthers carried a 46-30 lead into halftime.

 

Green Bay continued to battle in the second half, outscoring Northern Iowa 46-43 over the final 20 minutes, but couldn't erase the early deficit.

 

Lovejoy led the Phoenix with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, adding four rebounds, four assists and three steals.

 

Ne'quan Brown recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Hall finished with 15 points and three made three-pointers. Ahmere Carson added 14 points and five assists.

 

Northern Iowa was led by Greyson Uelmen, who scored a game-high 27 points. Carson Vis added 17, Levi Valdo finished with 15 and Isaiah Johnson-Arigu contributed 14.

 

Despite the loss, Green Bay outrebounded Northern Iowa 30-21, including 17 offensive rebounds, and scored 46 points in the paint.

 

The Phoenix fall to 2-2 on the season and will return home Friday, Nov. 13, for an 11 a.m. Education Day matchup against Viterbo at the Kress Center.

 

Green Bay will then head south for road matchups against West Florida on Nov. 17 and Florida State on Nov. 20.