Sykes out UWGB NIT-picked by Belmont

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (AP) — Craig Bradshaw scored a career-high 25 points and Drew Winkler added 15 asBelmont beat short-handed Green Bay 80-65 Tuesday night in the first round of the NIT.

The Phoenix were without leading scorer and Horizon League player of the year Keifer Sykes, who hurt his left ankle in the conference semifinal loss on March 8 and was a scratch just before this game.

It was apparent Green Bay was missing its floor leader, committing a season-high 21 turnovers. While the fourth-seeded Phoenix were giving up the ball, the fifth-seeded Bruins gradually built their lead.

Belmont (25-9) had a slim 37-33 first-half advantage before ending the half on a 12-4 run to go up 49-37. The Bruins increased the lead to 58-39, and Green Bay (24-7) got no closer than seven late in the game.

Greg Mays scored 15 points to lead Green Bay.