The Green Bay Phoenix held East Carolina (2-2) without a point for the first 7:48 and jumped out to a 7-0 lead. After ECU hit a three-pointer, the Phoenix (2-1) went on a 10-0 run to go in front 17-3 and were never tested, rolling to a 66-49 victory in the Gulf Coast Classic opener in Estero, Florida.
Senior Greg Mays scored a team-high 15 points and senior Keifer Sykes added 12 to lead the Phoenix.
Green Bay scored 10 of the first 12 points after halftime to extend its lead to 21 and the Pirates could get no closer than 12 the rest of the afternoon.
Green Bay advanced to the semifinals on Tuesday (5pm CST) against the winner of the Fresno State-Evansville game.
Green Bay out-rebounding the Pirates 37-23 and held the opposition to just 31.9% from the field. The Phoenix shot 55.3% from the field in the victory.
