The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fell just short of the win, 66-65 against Green Bay at the Kress Events Center Saturday afternoon.

The Panthers fought hard, with Traci Edwards gaining 27 points and nine rebounds, but it was not enough. Edwards has had an amazing week with also being named Horizon League Player of the Week for February 25.

“She has added more post moves in her repertoire and she is more patient with the ball around the basket,” said Head Coach Sandy Botham. “She has also developed her game away from the basket. She is one of our best three point shooters and is scoring attaching off the dribble.”

Also adding to Edwards’ double digits, Lindsay Laur scored 14 points and Maurika Hickman gained 11.

With it being a close game, it all came down to fighting for the win in the second half. Milwaukee’s offense showed much confidence and allowed them to stay close with Green Bay.

Unfortunately Green Bay’s offense kept up with the Panthers.

“We need to continue to work on our fundamentals of defense and our team defense,” said Botham.

At the beginning of the second half, Milwaukee was able to take the lead 37-36, within the first three minutes, and used a 18-6 run in order to gain a nine point lead.

In the first 12 minutes of the second half, the Panthers shot 60 percent and only turned the ball over twice. Shortly after the Panthers turned the ball over six times and averaged 1 of 7 in the field.

Becoming a point battle and with 1:11 left in the second half, Green Bay took the lead and brought the score to 65-63. Within the last 38 seconds of the game, both teams turned the ball over and with Jineen Williams at the free throw line and with two seconds left she saw her shot skim the hoop and go out of bounds.

Milwaukee shot 42.1 percent and shot 10-12 in free throws. They also had 14 assists and turnovers and had a 35-34 rebounding advantage, but it just was not enough to take the win.

Now with Milwaukee tied for the third spot at 9-7 with Cleveland State in the Horizon League standings, they are focusing on the Horizon League Tournament.

“It shows the how much parity there is this season in the Horizon League, said Botham. “There is no question it will come down to the last game in the regular season to decide the seedings for our Tournament.”

The Panthers are scheduled to play their final games of the season before the Horizon League Tournament, at home against Detroit and Wright State.

“We are disappointed to not have reached our goal of winning a Horizon League Championship,” said Botham. “But, remain focused on still achieving our Horizon League Tournament Champions goal. With continued work on improving as a team - we do believe it can become a reality.”

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