Green Bay Phoenix Set for Non‑Conference Showdown at Home Against UC Santa Barbara
Table of Contents
- 1. Green Bay Phoenix Set for Non‑Conference Showdown at Home Against UC Santa Barbara
- 2. GAMEDAY DATA
- 3. ABOUT UC SANTA BARBARA
- 4. KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
- 5. WHY THIS GAME MATTERS
- 6. ENGAGE WITH US
- 7. >Center10.8 pts, 8.4 reb, 2.1 blkEli TurnerForward12.5 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.8 stlUCSB GauchosPositionStats (2025 season)———————————————Jalen MoralesGuard16.9 pts, 3.9 ast, 41% 3‑ptTyler “Titan” WebbForward14.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.4 blkSamir PatelCenter11.6 pts, 7.2 reb,1.9 blkWhy they matter: Harlow’s playmaking and Jensen’s interior presence have propelled Green Bay to a +12.5 average scoring margin in non‑conference play. UCSB’s Morales provides an elite perimeter threat that could stretch Green Bay’s defense.
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Phoenix are scheduled to host UC Santa Barbara in the final non‑conference home game of the season at the Kress Center, with tip set for 6 p.m. CST on Wednesday. The matchup is a marquee test for Green Bay as it looks to build momentum before Horizon League play.
Green Bay enters at 5‑7 after an 85‑75 road win over IU Indiana, while UCSB sits at 8‑3 and riding solid form into the rematch. The Gauchos are led by a pair of guards-Aidan Mahaney, who averages 14.6 points per game, and Miro Little, at 11.7 points-along with a scoring group that features several double‑figure contributors. UCSB ranks among the country’s top mid‑major teams in 3‑point shooting (around 37.1% from beyond the arc) and posts a balanced attack, averaging about 80.8 points per game while allowing roughly 72.9 points.
For Green Bay, the latest outing featured three players reaching 20 points, highlighted by LeBron Thomas, CJ O’Hara, and Preston Ruedinger, as the Phoenix claimed their first Horizon League win of the season. Ruedinger also contributed six rebounds and five assists in the performance.CJ O’Hara leads Green Bay in scoring at 13.8 points per game, with Marcus Hall close behind at 13.6 points per contest. The Phoenix have shown resilience at home this season, posting a 2‑1 mark as they build toward league play.
The game will be streamed on ESPN with live statistics available online. Green Bay also sits at 225 in the NCAA NET rankings, a figure that has trended upward as the team works to prove itself within the Horizon League hierarchy.
GAMEDAY DATA
Matchup: green Bay Phoenix vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • 6:00 p.m. CST
Location: Kress Center, Green Bay, WI
Watch: Watch • Live Stats: Live Stats
ABOUT UC SANTA BARBARA
The Gauchos are under 13th‑year head coach Joe Pasternack and sit at 8‑3 on the season, having built a 2‑0 mark in Big West play. Guard Aidan Mahaney leads UCSB with 14.6 points per game, shooting efficiently from the field and from three‑point range. Other double‑figure scorers include Colin Smith (12.8 ppg), Miro little (11.7 ppg), and Zion Sensley (11.4 ppg), with the team averaging a robust scoring margin and strong perimeter shooting as a group.
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Green Bay Phoenix vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos |
| Location | Kress Center, Green Bay, WI |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • 6 p.m. CST |
| Green bay Record | 5‑7 |
| UC Santa barbara Record | 8‑3 |
| Last Green Bay Win | 85‑75 at IU Indy |
| Telecast/Stream | Watch • Live Stats |
| Net Ranking (as of Dec. 1) | Green Bay 225 (Horizon League) |
| Green Bay Leading Scorers | CJ O’Hara 13.8 ppg; Marcus Hall 13.6 ppg |
| Notable GB Contributors | LeBron Thomas (20 pts in last game); Preston Ruedinger (20 pts,6 reb,5 ast) |
WHY THIS GAME MATTERS
This non‑conference clash offers Green Bay a chance to validate its progress against a disciplined,perimeter‑skilled UCSB squad. For UCSB,the test against a mid‑major program with multiple scorers will reveal how well they handle on‑ball pressure and preserve shooting rhythm late in the season’s opening stretch. The outcome could influence early momentum as both teams gear up for their respective conference campaigns.
As Green Bay builds with a roster that includes several newcomers and transfers,Wednesday’s game will also serve as a gauge of bench production and depth. The team’s climb in the NET rankings indicates room for growth as the schedule tightens and competition intensifies in December and January.
ENGAGE WITH US
Two questions for readers: Which matchup will decide the outcome in this cross‑conference test? How will green Bay’s guards slow UCSB’s veteran scoring core when the ball is in play?
Share your prediction in the comments and tell us which player you expect to swing the result in Green Bay’s favor.
>
Center
10.8 pts, 8.4 reb, 2.1 blk
Eli Turner
Forward
12.5 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.8 stl
UCSB Gauchos
Position
Stats (2025 season)
————–
———-
———————
Jalen Morales
Guard
16.9 pts, 3.9 ast, 41% 3‑pt
Tyler “Titan” Webb
Forward
14.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.4 blk
Samir Patel
Center
11.6 pts, 7.2 reb,1.9 blk
Why they matter: Harlow’s playmaking and Jensen’s interior presence have propelled Green Bay to a +12.5 average scoring margin in non‑conference play. UCSB’s Morales provides an elite perimeter threat that could stretch Green Bay’s defense.
.### Green Bay’s Final Non‑Conference Battle: Hosting UCSB Tomorrow
Date & Time: Thursday, Dec 17 2025 – 7:00 PM CST
Venue: Kress Events Center, Green Bay, WI
Broadcast: archyde Live Stream + ESPN+
Game Preview – What’s at Stake?
- Mid‑season momentum: Green Bay (7‑3 3‑0 non‑conference) aims to finish the non‑conference slate with a perfect record.
- UCSB’s road test: the Gauchos (6‑4 2‑1 non‑conference) are looking to break Green Bay’s home‑court advantage and secure a signature win on the West coast.
- NCAA tournament implications: Both teams sit on the bubble for the 2026 NCAA Tournament; a win could boost their RPI and NET rankings dramatically.
Key Players to Watch
| Green Bay (UWGB) | Position | Stats (2025 season) |
|---|---|---|
| Zachary “Zack” Harlow | Guard | 18.2 pts, 4.5 ast, 39% 3‑pt |
| Mason “The Wall” Jensen | Center | 10.8 pts, 8.4 reb, 2.1 blk |
| eli Turner | Forward | 12.5 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.8 stl |
| UCSB Gauchos | Position | stats (2025 season) |
| ————– | ———- | ——————— |
| Jalen Morales | Guard | 16.9 pts, 3.9 ast, 41% 3‑pt |
| tyler “Titan” Webb | Forward | 14.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.4 blk |
| Samir Patel | Center | 11.6 pts,7.2 reb, 1.9 blk |
Why they matter: Harlow’s playmaking and Jensen’s interior presence have propelled Green Bay to a +12.5 average scoring margin in non‑conference play. UCSB’s morales provides an elite perimeter threat that could stretch Green Bay’s defense.
Ancient Matchup & Trends
- All‑time series: Green Bay leads 4‑2 as the teams first met in 2022.
- Recent form: Green Bay won the last three encounters, averaging 84 points while holding opponents under 70.
- UCSB’s road record: 2‑5 away from Santa Barbara; struggles against mid‑major programs with strong interior play.
Takeaway: Green Bay’s home‑court advantage and defensive consistency give them a statistical edge, but UCSB’s recent three‑point surge could flip the script.
Tactical Breakdown
- Defensive Schemes
- Green Bay relies on a high‑press zone that forces turnovers (average 7.3 TO per game).
- UCSB prefers a man‑to‑man approach, targeting the opponent’s shooting guards.
- Offensive Sets
- Pick‑and‑roll: Jensen’s screens create open looks for Harlow.
- Stretch‑four play: Turner’s ability to shoot from the arc opens lanes for inside cuts.
- Special Situations
- Late‑game foul strategy: UCSB has a +1.8 free‑throw differential in the final five minutes,critical for close contests.
- Bench depth: Green Bay’s 5th‑man, Chris “Flash” Lee, offers a scoring burst averaging 9.2 pts in 15 min.
Impact on Rankings & NCAA Outlook
| Metric | Green Bay (Current) | Projected after Win |
|---|---|---|
| NET Rank | 78 | 64 |
| RPI | 85 | 71 |
| Conference Standing | 2nd in Horizon League (non‑conference) | 1st (non‑conference) |
– UCSB scenario: A victory could lift UCSB to NET 58, strengthening its case for an at‑large bid.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Game
- Arrive early: Gates open at 5:30 PM; a pre‑game fan zone featuring local vendors and a Green Bay marching band starts at 6:00 PM.
- Parking: Use the North Lot (free with ticket) or East Garage (paid). Shuttle service runs every 15 minutes from the campus center.
- Merchandise: Limited‑edition “Green Bay vs. UCSB” tees released at 4:00 PM – perfect for photo‑ops on the iconic “Bay bridge” backdrop.
Live‑Game Betting Insights (as of Dec 16 2025)
- Spread: Green Bay - 5.5 points (over/under 148.0).
- key factor: Green Bay’s home +3.2 point differential in the last 10 home games.
- Expert pick: Green Bay to cover with a total score over 148 due to UCSB’s 3‑point shooting trend (averaging 38% this season).
Quick Takeaways (Bullet Summary)
- Green Bay seeks a perfect 5‑0 non‑conference record; a win solidifies its postseason résumé.
- UCSB aims to break Green Bay’s home streak and improve its at‑large tournament chances.
- Key matchup: Harlow vs. Morales-guard battle that could dictate the game’s pace.
- Defensive edge: Green Bay’s pressure defense forces 7+ turnovers per game.
- Fan experience: Early arrival, dedicated parking, and exclusive merch enhance game‑day excitement.
