Nov. 13, 2002

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - The college basketball exhibition season is all about finding out strenghts and weaknesses, noting areas that need improving, and generally getting the preseason kinks out. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team found that out the hard way here Wednesday (Nov. 13), dropping its exhibition opener 99-87 to Laisve-Kuanas despite 37 points and 14 rebounds from preseason Horizon League Player of the Year Maria Viall.

"Well, its great to finally play somebody else even if we didn't win the game," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "We were at least able to see where we need to get better. Right now with such a young team it's all about baby steps."

Laisve-Kuanas, playing their fourth exhibtion game in the U.S., never trailed in the game after scoring the first two points of the night. The Lithuanian's hit 17 of 17 free throws in the first half while connecting on four-of-nine three-pointers. Laisve-Kuanas took as big as a 12-point lead in the first half, 37-25, before UWM scored 14 of the next 18 points to cut the lead to four at the break, thanks to a Kimberly Becker tip-in at the buzzer. The Panthers outrebounded the visitors 27-17 in the first stanza but struggled shooting the ball, connecting on ony 17-of-46 from the field (37%) and only one-of-eight from three-point land.

The visitors opened the second half on a tear, en route to 64.3% shooting from the field in the frame. Lithuania connected on 17-of-20 charity tosses in the second half to finish a remarkable 34-37 on the night, good for a 91.9 clip. Meanwhile, the Panthers took only ten free throws for the game, connecting on seven. Milwaukee ended the night shooting 42.2% (38-90) from the field and 20% (4-20), from the three-point line.

"This whole season is a journey that just started tonight," added Botham. "We just need to keep things in perspective, stay positive and stay focused on getting better. We need to worry about the process and not necessarily the end result."

Viall, who connected on 18-of-30 shots en route to her 37 points, also grabbed ten offensive rebounds. Freshmen Anne Witte, playing in her first game as a Panther, contributed 11 points and four rebounds and sophomore Kimberly Becker added 10 points and six rebounds. Senior Jessica Wilhite also reached double figures with 11 points, eight boards, and four assists, but struggled from the field and connected on 4-21 shooting.

Laisve-Kuanas placed five players in double figures, led by Jovita Jutelyte's 27 points. The 6-3 center drilled all 15 of her charity tosses while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Ingrida Jonkute added 24 points while Jolante Marmlene and Neringa Zakalskiene contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Milwaukee will now enjoy nine days off before opening the 2002-03 regular season at home on Friday (Nov. 22). UWM will welcome No. 8 Purdue to the Klotsche Center for a 7 p.m. tipoff.