Feb. 8, 2001

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MILWAUKEE - Clay Tucker hit two free throws 10.2 seconds remaining to push the UWM men to a 67-65 victory over Loyola Chicago Thursday night at the Klotsche Center.

The Ramblers (7-16, 2-8 MCC) had a final opportunity to win the game, but Silvije Turkovic's three-point try rimmed off at the buzzer.

"I don't know if it's confidence or repition," UWM's Chad Angeli said of the Panthers pulling out a close game. "We don't want it to go on like that at the end, but it's nice to know we've been through it before."

UWM (12-10, 4-5 MCC) built a 62-53 advantage with 4:48 to play following a 13-0 run. The Panthers held Loyola scoreless for 6:50 of the second half.

But, using full-court pressure to force three UWM turnovers in the final two minutes, the Ramblers rallied, eventually tying the game at 65-65 on two David Bailey free throws with 21 seconds remaining.

"The toughest part for us was having that nine-point lead and having it dwindle," Panther coach Bo Ryan said. "I'd rather not have it be close, but after those turnovers our guys did not panic. We are a little disappointed in the way we took care of the ball, but that can be rectified."

The game's first half was tight throughout, with 11 ties and five lead changes. But, UWM scored six of the half's final seven points to carry a 41-38 lead into the locker room.

"Basketball is a game of spurts, and the spurts Milwaukee had at the end of the first half and then in the second half really hurt is," Loyola coach Larry Farmer said.

UWM returns to action Saturday night, entertaining Illinois-Chicago. Tipoff at the Klotsche Center is set for 7 p.m.