Nov. 29, 2003

Box Score

TALLAHASSEE, FLA - Despite posting its best performance of the young 2003-04 season, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball dropped a heartbreaking 72-70 game to Florida State University here Saturday (Nov. 29). The Seminoles (2-1) overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to claim the victory in the second game of the Florida State Seminole Classic. The Panthers, now 1-2 on the year, got a game high 25 points from Maria Viall in dropping the contest to one of the Top 40 teams in America.

The Panthers controlled play in the first half, thanks to an inside-outside game on offense and an airtight zone defense on the other end. Viall scored 14 points inside for UWM while Teri Huff provided a huge spark off the bench with 13 points and six boards in the stanza. Milwaukee hit a remarkable 66.7% of its shots in the frame while forcing 12 FSU turnovers.

UWM continued to play well in the first part of the second half, keeping the lead between five and nine points the majority of the frame. A layup by LaQuinta Neely cut the Milwaukee lead to seven, 60-53, at the 7:32 mark before a pair of Aubrey Hampton free throws gave UWM a nine point cushion with 6:47 to play.

However, some hot shooting and increased defensive pressure a Florida State run which saw it score 12 of the next 14 points to grab a 65-64 lead at the 3:28 mark on Tasheika Allen's fourth three-pointer of the night. UWM went back ahead the next time down the floor on a Viall layup before two Lauren Bradley charity tosses made it 70-68. Viall tied the game up at 70 on the next trip before a Shante Williams driving jumper with :25 left gave FSU the final two-point cushion. The Panthers had one two more opportunities to tie the game but a Viall jumper caromed off the rim with :05 left while Nichole Drummond failed to get a half-court shot off as the buzzer sounded.

In addition to her 25 points, Viall added a game-high nine rebounds. Huff ended the game with 14 points and nine boards while Drummond and Anne Witte each reached double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Allen led FSU with 16 points while Genesis Choice and Williams added 13 and 12.

The Panthers will face a quick turnaround in the tournament where they will face Liberty University Sunday at 1:00 p.m.