Nov. 19, 2000

The UWM women's basketball team were unable to pull through their season opener as they lost to Illinois State, 67-64, on Sunday afternoon in Normal, Illinois.

After a 12-point first-half deficit on .262 shooting, the Panthers used the second half to play catch-up to the Redbirds. Down by as many as 16 points in the second half, UWM brought it within three points with 38 seconds left in the game.

ISU got a shot off, but UWM was awarded possession on a jumpball after sophomore guard Jessica Wilhite grabbed the rebound with seconds remaining. After a timeout, the ball came back to the hands of Wilhite, but her open three-pointer bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

"We didn't lose it on the final shot," said UWM coach Sandy Botham. "She got a good look, it just didn't go in."

In a first half that saw the lead change seven times, the Panthers went on an early 12-1 run, sinking three straight three-pointers. UWM's hot streak slipped throughout the half, ending on just 6-23 shooting and 11-21 at the foul line. Illinois State converted 14-31 field goals and 9-12 free throws.

"When you are on the road, you have to have strong defense. You can't rely on the offense. We had some good shots, we just didn't finish them," said Botham.

The Panthers' spark didn't come again until late in the game. Junior guard Allison Klaas swished two consecutive three-pointers to rout UWM's comeback with 1:13 remaining. Klaas finished with 13 points, while Wilhite led UWM with 17 points and five assists.

ISU was led by freshmen scoring as center Sharon Blade and guard Jaci McCormack each recorded 15 points. Senior forward Nadia Peruch also added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Redbirds.

UWM go on the road again on Tuesday, this time travel across town to take on rival Marquette at the U.S. Cellular Arena downtown. Game time is set for 7 p.m.