The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee defeated Youngstown State 94 - 87 in an exhilarating double-overtime event on the road at the Beeghly Center Saturday afternoon.

Traci Edwards, the UWM star of the game, earned 35 points and 19 rebounds against the Penguins, setting Milwaukee up for their much needed win.

Not only did Edwards gain the points and rebounds, but she also had five steals, three assists and one block. Three other Panthers added to Edwards’ double-digits, Lindsay Laur with 16 points, Aubri Rote with 13 and Maurika Hickman with 14.

UWM not only gained major points against Youngstown, but they played together as a team and did not only rely upon one person.

Both teams went back and forth during the entire game, ending with an 81-81 tie, before going into the second overtime. They both used key strategies in defense and offense in order to utilize every second of the game, which allowed them to push for extra time.

Once in the second overtime, Laur shot a three-pointer, opening the way for the Panthers. Allowing them to obtain their largest lead of the game with 10 points and at one time they even had an 11 point lead 94 - 83.

Although Milwaukee’s free throws were a little below par, hitting only 24 of 41, they were able to come out with the victory. Not only was this UWM’s win, but it was Youngstown’s third straight loss.

The Panther’s shot 41.1 percent in the field and 54.5 percent in overtime. They made 10 of 28 three-pointers and were able to hold the Penguins at shooting 40.5 percent in the field and only 25 percent in three-pointers.

Milwaukee’s offense was on a roll with a season-high of 51 rebounds and 24 assists. UWM only had 20 turnovers against Youngstown.

“We've continued to focus on our fundamentals offensively and defensively,” said Head Coach Sandy Botham. “We continue to fine tune our offensive execution every day in practice and the players continue to work hard to improve as individuals.”

At the end of the night UWM pulled through, completing one official game with two extra overtimes in order to decide the winner. They showed they can push through and their skills are strong.

“We want to play to the best of our ability and if we do that we will win,” said Botham.

Milwaukee is now 7-4 in the Horizon League and is still in third place in the official standings behind Cleveland State (8-3) and Green Bay (10-1).

> Comments