In the hallowed realm of college basketball, a gripping clash unfolded, as Ashwaubenon High School alum Marcus Tomashek dazzled the court with a dazzling 30-point display, propelling Michigan Tech to a narrow, nail-biting 72-70 victory over the Green Bay Phoenix.
The Phoenix, a squad already weathered by adversity, fought valiantly despite the absence of their star player, Anthony Roy, sidelined for what promises to be an extensive recovery from a substantial lower leg injury. Head coach Doug Gottlieb, though grappling with the team’s current struggles, remains hopeful that Roy will make a return before the season wanes.
In a dramatic turns of fate, Green Bay initially commanded the game, even securing a double-digit lead early in the second half. However, disaster struck when guard Preston Ruedinger limped off the court, leaving the team at a pivotal juncture—a moment from which they would not quite recover.
From the shadows of a comfortable advantage, the Huskies, led by Tomashek, began their relentless pursuit, meticulously chipping away at Green Bay’s lead. With less than a minute to go, the former high school standout, who honed his craft just four miles from the Resch Center, launched a go-ahead three-pointer, sealing the victory for his team.
Reflecting on the electrifying victory, Tomashek offered a glimpse into his mindset, devoid of nerves. “It’s just like any game. I know our team is capable, filled with talent. We come out and play our game. The last three years have been great for me at Michigan Tech, but there’s a sweet satisfaction that comes with defeating this particular team,” he said, a smile betraying his competitive edge.
The loss marked Green Bay’s eighth consecutive defeat, a stark reminder of the challenges facing the team following a brief but heated social media skirmish involving Gottlieb and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Such public scrutiny has only sharpened the focus on the Phoenix’s plight, which has spiraled from a seven-game losing streak to an unsettling eight.
“Is it a good feeling? No. Recent events have certainly thrust our struggles into the limelight. This is my first year, and I’m absorbing so much,” Gottlieb confessed, expressing the weight of the season’s trials.
In a candid moment, Gottlieb reflected on the misconceptions surrounding their latest loss. “To conflate this defeat with ‘rock bottom’ doesn’t quite capture the reality. Michigan Tech is not a slouch team; they’re well-coached and teeming with skilled players—and they’re on a winning spree. One of the hardest lessons for a coach is instilling the winning mentality,” he articulated, acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead.
For the Phoenix, Jeremiah Johnson emerged as a bright spot, posting an impressive 21 points along with 15 rebounds in the tough defeat against a formidable division two opponent.
As the dust settles on this compelling encounter, the road ahead for Green Bay looms daunting yet reflective of potential growth and determination.
