You’d think a matchup between a school that was in Division III just five years ago and a historic mid-major power from Wisconsin wouldn't be much to talk about. But honestly? The St Thomas MN vs Green Bay showdown has quietly become one of the most fascinating barometers for college basketball in the Upper Midwest.
When the University of St. Thomas (MN) made the unprecedented jump directly from D-III to D-I, people laughed. They said the Tommies would get bullied. They said the "Purple" wouldn't handle the physical play of teams like the Green Bay Phoenix.
They were wrong.
The Game That Changed the Narrative
On November 13, 2025, these two programs met at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul. It wasn't just a win for the Tommies; it was a statement. St. Thomas walked away with an 80-61 victory that left Green Bay fans scratching their heads.
Nolan Minessale. That’s a name Green Bay's defense won't forget anytime soon. He dropped 20 points and grabbed six boards, basically doing whatever he wanted in the paint. The Tommies came out swinging, putting up 50 points in the first half alone. It was 50-26 at the break. Total shell-shock.
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Green Bay tried to fight back in the second half—actually outscoring UST 35-30 in the final 20 minutes—but the damage was done. Mac Wrecke led the Phoenix with 10 points, but when your leading scorer only hits double digits by the skin of his teeth, you’ve got problems.
Why the St Thomas MN vs Green Bay Series Matters Now
Basically, this isn't just a random non-conference game anymore. It's a battle for regional identity. St. Thomas is trying to prove they belong at the top of the Summit League, while Green Bay is in a desperate rebuild to recapture the glory days of the 90s.
Let’s look at the stats from their last meeting because they tell a wild story:
- Field Goal Percentage: St. Thomas shot a crisp 50%. Green Bay? A struggling 42.9%.
- Free Throws: This is where it gets embarrassing. UST shot 90% from the charity stripe. Green Bay left points on the table, shooting a dismal 57.1%.
- Transition: The Tommies outscored the Phoenix 13-4 on the break.
You can't win on the road when you're slow and you can't hit free throws. It's basketball 101, but Green Bay looked like they were still stuck in pre-season mode.
A History of "Almost"
Before the 2025 blowout, the series was actually pretty competitive. In 2023, Green Bay managed a 64-51 win. But looking at the historical trajectory, the Tommies have won three of the last four meetings.
The most surprising detail? The scoring gap is widening. St. Thomas isn't just winning; they are becoming more efficient. Coach Johnny Tauer has implemented a system that prioritizes high-IQ plays and spacing, something the Phoenix struggled to track. Green Bay's Marcus Hall had 21 points in a game against Ripon just days before the UST loss, but against the Tommies' disciplined defense, he was held to just 7 points on 2-of-10 shooting.
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The Talent Pipeline War
The real St Thomas MN vs Green Bay battle happens on the recruiting trail. Both schools are fighting for the same "diamond in the rough" kids from Minnesota and Wisconsin.
St. Thomas has been snagging guys like Nick Janowski and Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, who both played significant minutes in the 2025 win. Green Bay is leaning heavily on transfers and high-upside projects like Maruan Cicic.
The difference right now is chemistry. The Tommies play like a team that has been together for a decade. Green Bay, under their current leadership, is still trying to find out who their "alpha" is when the shots aren't falling.
Misconceptions About the Matchup
Most casual fans think Green Bay should dominate because of their Horizon League pedigree.
- "Green Bay is a bigger program." Technically, yes, in terms of D-I history.
- "St. Thomas is still a D-III team at heart." Tell that to the 80 points they just hung on a D-I defense.
- "The venue doesn't matter." The Lee & Penny Anderson Arena has become a legitimate "snake pit" for visiting teams.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
If you're a Green Bay fan, you're looking for consistency. The Phoenix followed up their loss to St. Thomas with a heartbreaker against Minnesota (72-65 in OT), showing they can play with the big boys, but they just can't finish.
For St. Thomas, the goal is the NCAA Tournament. They are officially eligible for post-season play now that their transition period is winding down. Beating regional rivals like Green Bay consistently is the only way to build the resume needed for a potential at-large bid or a high seed in the Summit League tournament.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you are following the St Thomas MN vs Green Bay rivalry in the coming seasons, keep these specific triggers in mind before placing a bet or making a prediction:
- Watch the First 8 Minutes: In their last three matchups, the team that led at the 12:00 mark in the first half won the game 100% of the time. Both teams rely heavily on momentum.
- Check the "Points in the Paint": While UST is known for three-pointers, they actually tied Green Bay with 38 points in the paint during their last meeting. If Green Bay can't win the physical battle inside, they have no path to victory.
- Monitor the Free Throw Disparity: St. Thomas is statistically one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the region. In a close game, always lean toward the Tommies.
- Home Court is Real: St. Thomas went 14-0 at home in the 2024-2025 season. Never bet against them in St. Paul unless they are playing a Top 25 opponent.
The next time these two meet, don't expect a friendly mid-western handshake. There's real tension building here. St. Thomas is the "new money" kid on the block, and Green Bay is the old guard trying to protect their porch. It’s exactly what college basketball needs.