We had seen this before.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team was deep into a tight game, the score within 5 with under two minutes remaining. Loyola would not go away.

Fans of the team were all thinking the same thing. Can they pull it out? Dayton, Miami, North Dakota State, Wright State, and UIC all beat the Panthers when it came down to the wire. In a couple games, with the ball and the final possession, Milwaukee had even failed to put up a shot.

The Panthers made sure history did not repeat itself. With the score tied at 47, Milwaukee scored the next six points of the contest to put the game away, 54-51.

Traci Edwards, as usual, led the Panthers with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. Aubri Rote, who had an off night with only two points, pulled down 5 rebounds. Turquoise McCain had 8 points, four rebounds, and a steal.

In limited playing time, Maurika Hickman dropped both of her shots. The Panthers survived the onslaught of Keisha Collins, who scored 10, grabbed 5 rebounds and tallied 6 steals.

Both Milwaukee and Loyola took 47 shots, but Milwaukee only made 17 to Loyola's 21. If you're looking for a reason that Milwaukee won, check out the free throws. Milwaukee made 16 free throws, while Loyola only attempted 9. The Ramblers struggled to get to the line, and couldn't hit a shot from outside to save their lives. The Panthers, on the other hand, made the threes when they needed to and got fouled - a lot. The 22-13 foul difference was all the more important when the Panthers sank their free throws.

Milwaukee (11-8, 6-2 Horizon League) moves on to the annual showdown with first place UW-Green Bay. The Phoenix (15-4, 7-1) are a full game ahead of Milwaukee. That difference would be neutralized if the Panthers defeated them. The game is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2nd. The student section is bound to be large, as it always is when Green Bay comes to town. Students also have a chance to get on TV, as the game is being televised live by Time Warner Sports.

> Comments