After Sunday’s thrilling comeback victory, it was almost expected that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s basketball team was headed for the NCAA Tournament.

And they did just that.

Monday afternoon’s 71-63 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago sends the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament, and the team’s first opponent will be named March 13 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

Freshman center Traci Edwards scored 24 points to lead all scorers and received the Horizon League Tournament MVP because of her performances throughout the tournament.

Leading by as much as 12 in the game, UWM was able to use runs and big leads to secure the victory. In the late moments of the first half, UWM snapped, going on a 20-1 run.

UIC however, would make a late comeback and pull within two points at 44-42 midway through the second half. UWM would hit the shots they needed to knock off UIC, however, knocking down stellar 8-of-11 free throws in the final minute to guarantee victory and a NCAA Tournament berth.

UIC had three key contributors to its Horizon League Tournament success. Jacquay Holmes, Chrissy Dizon and LaShonda Grant were all named to the all-tournament team.

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