In what will probably be remembered as one of the uglier contests of the 2006-2007 season, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men“s basketball team squeaked out a 57-56 overtime victory over Cleveland State University at the U.S. Cellular Arena Jan. 29.

In a game in which the Panthers never trailed, but saw the team surrender leads three times in the second half, UWM had just enough juice to take care of business in the extra period to avoid what would have been an embarrassing home defeat.

Head coach Rob Jeter cited turnovers late in the game as the major problem, rather than blaming the team“s recent stretch of three games in five days.

“Fatigue is always going to be a factor when you play that many games but still, if you do the right things,” he said. “We just didn“t take care of the basketball and taking care of the basketball doesn“t have anything to do with fatigue.”

The Panthers jumped out to an early 11-3 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, due in large part to the early offensive struggles from the visiting Vikings. CSU hit just 1 for 15 from the field to start and shot 24 percent for the half. Despite the poor showing, UWM could only muster a five-point halftime lead.

CSU guard Bahaadar Russell, who led the Vikings with 20 points, tried to make sense of the slow start.

“I think we were anxious. We came out and were rushing out shots, not very relaxed,” he said.

The second half was a different story as it was UWM“s turn to be outscored by five in the period, forcing overtime for the second time this season at the Cell.

Guard Allan Hanson got things going in overtime with a three pointer, followed by the Panthers and Vikings taking turns trading baskets with each other.

Avery Smith knocked in two free throws with just over two minutes to go, giving the Panthers a five-point lead.

After consecutive lay-ups by the Vikings, UWM held a one-point lead with a minute to go. A turnover by the home team gave CSU the last possession with a chance to win it. Luckily for the Panthers, some confusion threw the Vikings into a desperation heave that had no chance. A second effort off the rebound came up just short as well.

CSU head coach Gary Waters thought it was a hard-fought game by both teams and was proud of his kids for playing hard, even though the last play didn“t go as intended.

"Bahaadar missed (Tatham) because the other (UWM) guy was running down there when they found he was open," he said. "I thought he did a good job of finding Patrick right there at the free-throw line. Really, Patrick should have jumped up and shot it, but he threw it back out."

UWM (8-16, 5-6) was led by Smith“s 17 points, while Hanson chipped in 13 and Kevin Massiah added 10 of his own.

Afterward Jeter talked about the improvement the team has shown this year in being able to win the close battles, whereas earlier in the year that may not have been the case.

"I'm always going to take something positive away from a win,” he said. “We went six of seven possessions where we had turnovers, but we were able to bounce back. We gave it up, but we were able to do enough to keep the game where it was still in the balance. So I would look at that as a positive.”

Hanson was blunt in assessing the team“s mind set entering overtime, saying they would do whatever possible to get the job done and score more points than their opponent. The Panthers did that by knocking down their first three shots and going 3-for4 from the foul line.

While it may not have been the purest of victories, Smith had no problem with the outcome.

“A win is a win,” he said.

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