Nov. 21, 2003

Box Score

CHICAGO - Five players reached double figures for DePaul University as the hosts used a pressing defense and an uptempo offense to defeat the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 94-62 in women's college basketball action here Friday (Nov. 21). The Blue Demons forced 37 Milwaukee turnovers on the game to win the second game of the season-opening Moran Realty Classic. UWM (0-1) opened the season with a loss for the second straight season.

Things looked good early on for the Panthers as they ran out to an early first half lead. UWM displayed a balanced offensive attack and strong rebounding to control the first 10 minutes of play. DePaul grabbed the first lead of the game, 3-0, on Ashley Luke three-ball only to see the Panthers take their first lead of the game, 6-5, on a driving layup by Nichole Drummond. Despite All-America Candidate Maria Viall picking up her second personal foul at the 14:19 mark, Milwaukee continued to look increase its lead.

The Panthers grabbed their biggest lead of the game, 17-9, at the 12:39 mark on another Drummond dribble-drive. UWM was able to play in front for the next four minutes before an 8-0 Blue Demon run gave the hosts a 24-21 lead at the 6:53 mark. The Panthers were able to cut to one on the next possession before DU finished the half on a 14-7 run to tak a 45-32 lead into the break.

Milwaukee controlled two-thirds of the half, outshooting DePaul 59.3% to 38.3% in the first half while winning the rebounding battle, 24-18. However, DU forced 23 first-half turnovers and turned a large number of those into fast-break points.

UWM got back to within nine on a Viall jumper to start the second half. However, DePaul quickly put the game out of reach with a 14-0 run over the next 3:31 to grab a 59-36 lead. Layups by Viall and Kimberly Becker on the next two possessions cut the lead to 19, but the Panthers could get no closer the rest of the way.

Both coaches cleared the benches in the final minutes of the game and every UWM player suited up saw action. Becker posted her second career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Drummond and Viall added 11. Viall, who fouled out in just 16 minutes of playing time, added six rebounds. Luke paced DePaul with 18 points while Charlene Smith added 15 with Khara Smith and Dant notching 14 apiece.

Continuing a trend from last season, UWM outrebounded the hosts 43-39 while connecting on 46.6% of its shots. However, DU hit eight three-pointers to Milwaukee's three while also hitting 11 more free throws than the visitors. DePaul head coach Doug Bruno earned his 300th career victory with the win while leading his squad to its 17th straight victory at the DePaul Athletic Center.

Milwaukee will return to action in the Moran Realty Classic on Saturday (Nov. 22) versus Ball State in the 6:00 p.m. consolation game. DePaul advances to the championship game versus Northwestern State, 81-80 winners over BSU in Friday's first game.