Jan. 14, 2001

CHICAGO - James Wright scored on a lay-up with 5.4 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to lead UWM to a 94-93 double overtime victory over Loyola Sunday afternoon.

The overtime game was the second in four days for the Panthers (9-7, 1-2 MCC), who went four overtimes in a loss to UIC on Thursday.

Loyola (5-11, 1-3) grabbed a 93-92 lead on a Hubert Radke three with 39.8 seconds remaining in the second extra session. The Panthers initially missed a shot on their final possession, but Kalombo Kadima grabbed an offensive rebound to give UWM a second opportunity with 18.3 seconds remaining. Following a timeout, Clay Tucker drove down the lane to find a cutting Wright for the game-winner. A last-second try by Schin Kerr for Loyola rimmed off as time expired.

"The only thing I'm worried about is the NCAA telling us we've played too many games," coach Bo Ryan said of the multiple overtimes. "I can deal with a lot of things having had a lot of experiences. But for the players, winning this game was something they needed. They earned it."

The game marked the first time UWM has played in back-to-back overtime games since the 1977-78 season, and the first time in school history the Panthers have played back-to-back multiple overtime games.

Clay Tucker made 1-of-2 free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining to force the second overtime period. UWM had regained possession down 87-86 when James Wright drew a charge with 16.7 seconds left.

Loyola scored the final nine points of regulation to force the overtime. UWM led 76-67 with 3:07 to play following a Dan Weisse three-point basket, but the Ramblers eventually tied the game on a David Bailey hoop with 11.2 seconds remaining. Weisse's effort at winning the game rimmed off at the buzzer.

UWM led by 13 points on three different occasions in the first half, and carried a nine-point advantage into the locker room. In fact, after the Panthers built an 11-2 advantage in the first five minutes, the Ramblers never got any closer than five.

Jason Frederick scored 22 points off-the-bench to lead UWM, while three other players scored in double figures.

The Panthers finally return home Thursday night, welcoming Wright State to the Klotsche Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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