Feb. 26, 2000

CHICAGO - The UWM women's basketball team slipped to 14-11, 8-4 in the MCC after a 63-45 loss to UIC on Saturday.

The Panther offense struggled in the game, scoring just 24 first-half points, and shooting 21 percent from the field in the second half.

"We couldn't put the ball in the basket," said UWM coach Sandy Botham. "We can't let our offense affect our mentality. Especially on the road."

Nicole Luchsinger led UWM with her 13 points. Corrin Von Wald posted her third career double-double and second of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The Panthers trailed by two at halftime, 26-24, and trailed by three, 41-38, with 9:02 remaining, but went cold after that, making only two field goals the rest of the game.

"We were there, but couldn't get over the hump," said Botham.

Jessica Wilhite scored eight points off the bench and tallied five steals.

UIC (12-14, 7-6 MCC) was led bye Amanda Bartz's 21 points, including six three-pointers.

The Panthers wrap up the regular season this week with games at home against Butler on Thursday and Wright State on Saturday.