Dec. 17, 2000

MILWAUKEE--The UWM women's basketball team found their shooting stroke Sunday afternoon, victimizing Central Michigan to win, 90-48, at the Klotsche Center. The Panthers (3-4) stretch their home-game winning streak to 10.

Unstoppable in the first half, the Panthers shot 90 percent on 9-of-10 three-pointers, and 67 percent from the field. After an early 12-0 run, UWM's hot hands built a 48-19 lead into halftime. They finished with a 58 field goal percentage and 78 percent from the arc on 11-of-14 threes.

"Our players have to concentrate and be focused when they step out onto the court," said UWM coach Sandy Botham. "Against Chicago State, we played to their level even though we won. Today, we had no mercy. We were relentless in getting to the basket."

UWM's performance set MCC season-highs for assists (28) and three-point percentage (.786), beating the previous record of 25 and .571, respectively. Sophomore guard Jessica Wilhite's 83 percent on 5-of-6 three-point shooting also set an individual best in the conference, beating the prior record of 63.6 percent. UWM also reset the school record in 3-point FG percentage, beating the old record of 66.7 percent.

Freshman center Maria Viall came off the bench to lead the Panthers with 25 points, a personal career-high and a team season-high. In just 23 minutes of action, Viall hit 11-of-17 from the floor and added 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. She has become a consistent contributor for the Panthers, as she is coming off back-to-back double-doubles prior to today's contest.

"In the last few games, Maria has really stepped up her game," said Botham. "She's gained a lot more confidence, and in turn, the team has a lot more confidence in her (in getting her the ball)."

Wilhite added 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 27 minutes for the Panthers. The sophomore guard shot 7-of-10, including five three-pointers. Junior Stephanie Kaufmann was perfect in the game, hitting 3-of-3 three-pointers, including two consecutive tres in the first half, and finished with nine points. Junior guard Holly Tamm led the team in rebounding (7) and steals (3), while pitching in three assists and four points.

Central Michigan shot 29 percent from the floor, and 14 percent from the three-point line on 2-of-14 attempts. They committed 23 turnovers and 12 assists, while the Panthers recorded 19 turnovers and 28 assists. UWM also outrebounded CMU, 30-26.

The Panthers will enjoy a little time off for the holidays, and come back on Dec. 28th to host Bowling Green at 7 p.m.

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