Feb. 19, 2000
Box Score
MILWAUKEE - Bo Ryan's first home season at UWM came to an end on Saturday as the UW-Milwaukee men's basketball team topped Wright State, 81-67.
Senior guard Shaun Fountain was honored before the game as he played the last home game of his career. Fountain finished the game with 18 points and four rebounds.
"He (Fountain) proved he was the one to do the work," said UWM head coach Bo Ryan. "Shaun has gotten better as the year has gone on, and that's great for a player-coach relationship. He earned it."
The Panthers came out of the gates on fire as they drained nine three-pointers in the first half. They ended the game hitting 12 of 27 free throws. UWM's defense was just as amazing as they held the Raiders to just twenty first-half points. The Panthers .577 shooting gave them a 45-20 lead at half.
Junior center Chad Angeli continued his stellar play as he poured in 23 points, including 11-11 from the charity stripe, and grabbed seven rebounds. Junior forward Mike Sowder started the first game of his career, hitting two three-pointers and finishing with 10 points and six boards.
"Mike is the best teammate I've ever had," said Angeli. "He never complains and always plays hard. I knew he would step up. He brings a lot to the team."
The Raiders made a run in the second half scoring 15 straight points to cut the lead to 10. But the Panthers were too strong as they held on for the victory. Wright State was lead by Kevin Melson who scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
"The guys kept composure and finished strong," said Ryan. "It was a good win because it awarded fans that stayed loyal all year. People have identified with our young men, and I am very happy with that."
The win moved UWM's overall record to 13-12, its best mark since the 1992-93 season. UWM moves up in the conference standings as its MCC record improved to 5-7, one game ahead of Wright State.
The Panthers hit the road to conclude their regular season as they take on Cleveland State on Feb. 24 and Detroit on Feb. 26. On Jan. 29, UWM lost in overtime at home against Cleveland State, 105-109. The Panthers topped Detroit on Jan. 27 with a 64-59 win over the Titans at the Klotsche Center.
