Dec. 23, 2000

MILWAUKEE - UWM held the University of San Diego to eight points during a nine minute stretch of the second half in claiming a 58-55 victory Saturday night at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (6-4) led 42-41 with 9:09 remaining before their defense took over the game. From there, the Toreros (7-2) did not score a field goal for the next five minutes, and scored six of their points in the final seven seconds on two three-point baskets.

Chad Angeli scored 15 points to lead the Panthers, while Clay Tucker added 13 and James Wright pitched in 10.

But, the story of the night was the Panther defense. San Diego, which entered the game 21st in the latest RPI rankings, shot under 32 percent from the field, and committed 15 turnovers while collecting just seven assists.

"Defensively, it's not going to be like that every game," coach Bo Ryan said. "But if you can bring that defensive intensity every day, you can get things done."

San Diego built an early 20-12 advantage, but the Panthers held USD to seven points in the final 11:26 of the first half.

"That's something we have to do from here on out," Tucker said. "We let teams shoot 45 or 50 percent against us last year. That's something that has to stop."

The Panthers recorded a season-high 10 blocks, including five from Tucker and two from Wright, who also pitched in with eight rebounds, one steal and one assist.

"When I walked into the locker room after the game, I told James to go sell a program. He did everything else," Ryan said. "He got a block, he got a deflection, he got a couple of buckets, he drew a charge. What else is he going to do?"

The Panthers also held an edge on the glass, outrebounding the Toreros 41-35.

"I believe this is the first time we've been outrebounded this year," San Diego coach Brad Holland said. "They did a great job on the boards."

UWM continues its three-game homestand Wednesday night by hosting Mt. Senario. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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