CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Vikings (5-14, 1-7) had a strong first half but ultimately fell short at home on Thursday evening to Green Bay (11-8, 6-2) 88-73.

Cleveland State had three double-digit scorers on the night, led by Tre Beard with 18 points. Dayan Nessah dropped 16 points, and Preist Ryan followed with ten points.

Beard led the way on the boards with four, and Nessah dished out four assists.

The Vikings were 19-of-24 at the charity stripe, with Nessah going a perfect eight-of-eight.

Cleveland State rattled off the first six points before stretching the margin to 13-3 at the first media timeout, 15:29, behind nine early points from Nessah. The next three minutes saw the Phoenix use an 11-2 run to climb to within a point, 15-14, with 12:57 left in the half.

The Vikings kept a one-possession advantage until Green Bay evened the game at 22-22 with 8:31 to go in the half. Following three scoreless minutes for both teams, Nessah connected from deep to reclaim a 25-22 lead.

Following a Phoenix three-pointer to retie the game, Jaidon Lipscomb matched the shot, and Nessah followed with a pair of free throws to lead 30-25 at the 4:05 mark.

Green Bay tied the game twice down the stretch but never led as Green and White took a 40-37 lead into the break as Beard connected from deep with six ticks left.

Cleveland State found themselves trailing for the first time in the game, 45-43, with 17:45 to go in the second half. The Phoenix wouldn't let the home team back into the game from there, claiming an 88-73 victory.

The Green and White remain at home on Saturday, January 17, to take on Youngstown State at 2 p.m.