In a tight game, the University of Wisconsin took the lead in the second half to defeat the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team 79-59 in Madison on Tuesday night.

UWM’s pre-season started off with two amazing wins and they began regular season play with an 88-76 win against Chicago State. They then had a three-game losing streak, and picked up a 77-51 win against Central Connecticut State.

Then the Panthers, then 2-4, lost to the 4-3 Badgers for the 11th-straight time.

Even though the team has been through some ups and downs, head coach Sandy Botham said her attitude is still optimistic.

“The team's morale is positive. We know the season is a journey and that it takes time to play to our team's potential.

“Two of the games we lost were by a total of five points - so it just emphasizes to our players the importance of paying attention to details on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”

UWM took the lead twice by seven and once by six, forcing Madison to catch up during the first half. Three Panther players scored in double digits. Traci Edwards scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds, Aubri Rote had 13 points and Turquoise McCain had 10 points. Even with these impressive stats, the Badgers were able to tie the Panthers 32-32 going into the half.

After the first half, UWM had difficulty getting its offense back on track, with most points coming from the free throw line for 16-of-20 attempts. The Panthers scored a basket to start the second half, but the Badgers took off with a 19-3 run, making it 51-37 with 14:18 left to play.

With 6:01 left on the clock, and UWM losing 68-49, Botham received a technical foul. Shortly after, Milwaukee gained seven points, making it a 12 point game.

After controlling the first half, UWM turned the ball over 22 times and was out-rebounded 43-33. The Panthers’ shooting average was 35.8 percent.

Not only did the Panthers offense struggle in the second half, but the defense did as well, giving the Badgers a 45.7 percent shooting average. This was enough for Wisconsin to have a 79-59 win over UWM.

Botham said this is not the first time Madison has given Milwaukee problems before.

“They are a typical Big Ten team - big in all positions, strong, fast and physical. This has given us tons of trouble in the past.

“They have forced us to hurry on offense, they create mismatch problems at all positions and we've struggled rebounding on both ends.”

Although the Panthers have been off to a rocky start this season, Botham said the players’ attitudes are still high and they still have a ways to go.

“We want to play to the best of our ability.

“If we do that we will win.”

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