Jan. 11, 2001
MILWAUKEE--Sophomore guard Jessica Wilhite led all scores with 18 points, while three other Panthers posted double-figures to lead UWM over Cleveland State, 80-66, Thursday night at the Klotsche Center.
Leading 42-28 at the half, the Panthers saw their lead get cut down to three points with under five minutes remaining. Cleveland State's Abby Scharlow hit two free throws and a three-pointer to trail, 61-58. After UWM coach Sandy Botham called a timeout, the Panthers bounced back to score the next five points. Maria Viall hit a jumper inside, and Wilhite bombed a three-pointer after snagging a rebound on the defensive end. The momentum carried UWM through the rest of the game as they finished on a 14-8 run.
"On that timeout, I told the team to just relax, but step it up," said Botham. "They were acting a little hesitant, so I told them to remember the fundamentals and stick to that. Then we got one from Maria to get us going again."
Viall added 15 points for UWM and grabbed a team-high seven boards, while seniors Teri Stoltenberg and Nicole Luchsinger each tallied 11 points. Wilhite's 18 points game on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range.
The Panthers shot 50 percent from the field and 60 percent from the arc in the first half, while Cleveland State shot 36 percent and 16 percent, respectively. The Panthers finished the game with a 48 FG percentage and a 56 3-FG percentage, compared to the Vikings' 35 percent and 29 percent. The Panthers took a plus ratio in assists to turnovers, recording 22-21. They also took the advantage on the boards, 36-35.
UWM kept Cleveland State's star guard and preseason favorite for MCC Player of the Year Mahogany Green to 10 points. Green, who averages 20 ppg, shot 4-of-15 from the field (0-of-2 three-pointers) before fouling out with under three minutes remaining. The Vikings were led by reserve Kim Brockway's 15 points.
"It's been a tough non-conference schedule, but we've kept out focus throughout. It won't necessarily be easy in the MCC, but I feel we are better prepared," said Botham.
The Panthers home to gain their second MCC win of the season, remaining at home with a game against Detroit on Saturday at 2 p.m. They then host Wisconsin on Tuesday night, 7 p.m., for their last non-conference game of the regular season.
