March 9, 2001
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CHICAGO-Jessica Wilhite scored 23 points to guide the Panthers to a 80-49 blowout victory over Loyola, Friday night in the MCC Tournament semifinal at the UIC Pavilion. Milwaukee (18-10) advances to Saturday's MCC Championship for the first time in school history while capturing their eight-straight win.
"We said to the players coming into the tournament, 'don't let doubt enter your minds', and that was a catalyst pushing us through," said UWM coach Sandy Botham. "We're making history now. We have one banner at home and we want two. Our team is on a mission, two down and one to go."
UWM's depth was a key in the game as 11 players contributed baskets. With plenty of minutes being spread around, the Panthers were able to rest their starters as they prepare for their third game in as many days.
"It was the way we set the tone from the get-go and how Loyola played on their heels for the first half," said Botham. "I knew we had the depth to wear them down, but I didn't anticipate it being that early in the game."
Celebrating a 42-18 halftime score, the Panthers came into the second half right where they left off. Wilhite scored a four-point play after bombing a tre and getting the foul to lead 49-24. She recorded another three-pointer a minute later, and was followed by back-to-back tres from Allison Klaas to leap to a 60-26 advantage with 12:45 remaining in the game.
Milwaukee shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-20 from beyond the arc. Loyola shot 33 percent from the field and made 2-of-11 three-point attempts. The Panthers recorded 18 assists and just 13 turnovers, while the Ramblers committed 18 turnovers and recorded just 10 assists. Milwaukee took advantage at the line, making 20-of-25 free throws. Loyola made 9-of-14 attempts at the line.
The Panthers set the tone from the beginning, opening the first half on a 12-0 run in the first four and a half minutes. Milwaukee's feisty defense kept after the Ramblers, forcing two turnovers off their full-court press in the first couple of minutes. The Panthers continued on pace throughout the half, attacking from all over and getting defensive stops.
Wilhite recorded four three pointers in the first half, including two within a 30-second span to take the 32-14 lead with 4:30 remaining. She finished the game shooting 6-of-13 from the field, all coming from three-point land. She was also perfect at the line, sinking 5-of-5 free throws in 27 minutes.
Klaas also scored in double-figures for the Panthers, recording 12 points on two three-pointers while connecting 6-of-6 from the line. Freshmen Charlene Smith and Maria Viall tallied seven points each to aid the Milwaukee attack.
UWM will play for the chance to win an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament as they advance to the MCC Championship on Saturay at 5 p.m. The Panthers will take-on the winner of the Green Bay-UIC game that begins at 7:30 Friday night.
