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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Dec. 18, 2005) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee led for the first 26:36, by as many as 10, but could not hold on in falling to Marquette, 70-62, Sunday afternoon at the Al McGuire Center.

Senior Molly O'Brien led the way with 10 points, 11 rebounds, six steals and four assists for her second double-double of the season. Freshman Emily Markert scored a team-high 15 points off the bench, while sophomore Meredith Onson added 10 points and five assists for the Panthers (4-6). Carolyn Kieger scored a game-high 16 points and added seven assists to lead the Golden Eagles (8-1).

Milwaukee scored the first six points of the second half to expand their 31-27 halftime lead to 10 points. Onson hit a jumper to start the half and, after a lay up by freshman Traci Edwards, she hit another jumper to make it 37-27 just over two minutes into the second half.

Marquette then went on a 14-2 run, culminating with a three-pointer by Danielle Kamm, to grab its first lead of the game at 41-39. Edwards knotted the game with a lay up, before a 7-2 Golden Eagle run made it 48-43 with 11:06 to play in the game. UWM hit three free throws and Markert drained a three to re-take the lead at 49-48 with 8:59 to play.

Kieger converted a fast break lay up as the home team retook the lead for good at 50-49. The Panthers kept it close, pulling within four as late as the 2:09 mark on an Edwards lay-in, but could get no closer.

"We had some great looks in the second half, but our shots didn't fall," head coach Sandy Botham said. "Even though we went a long stretch without a field goal, we were still in it. The great thing is that we had our opportunities and that is the positive we will take away from this."

UWM had shot 51.9 percent in the first half, but suffered through a 34.3 percent after halftime to end at 41.9 percent for the game. Meanwhile, Marquette shot 55.6 for the game, including 61.9 percent in the second half. The Panthers did force 21 MU turnovers, including 11 on steals, but were forced into 20 of their own. Rebounds were even at 31 apiece, with UWM pulling down 13 offensive boards.

"I'm disappointed with the outcome because of all the opportunities we had. But, I am proud of the fire and determination we showed," Botham said. "We came out on a mission and were in control most of the game. It comes down to if you don't score it makes it tougher to win."

The Golden Eagles double-teamed Edwards, the Panthers' leading scorer, for most of the first half, opening up mid-range shots for guards Markert, Onson and O'Brien. Markert jumper just over seven minutes into the game gave UWM its first seven-point lead at 11-4. Milwaukee would maintain that lead for much of the opening period.

"Traci got touches, but they did a good job of double teaming her. She was still able to moved the ball well and get good looks for our players outside," Botham said. "In the second half, they didn't double team her, but she was expecting it. We have to generate plays with hustle. Molly did that for us. She made huge plays for us because she never quits working. Molly starts with the energy and our young players follow through."

MU cut the lead down to two at 24:22, but the Panthers answered with a 7-3 run to make it 31-25 with just over a minute to play. A tip-in 11 seconds before the break provided for the halftime score.

Markert scored nine of her points in the first half, while O'Brien had six points, four steals, three rebounds and three assists heading into intermission. UWM also forced 13 first-half turnovers, seven on steals, while committing 11 of its own.

Edwards finished with eight points, three boards and three assists for the Panthers before fouling out in the final minute of the game. It was the first time she failed to get 10 points since the season-opener. Jasmine McCullough had 11 points and 12 boards to join Kieger in double figures for Marquette, while Kamm finished with 13.

Milwaukee has the holidays off before returning to action Dec. 29 at Detroit. The Panthers and Titans kick off at 6 p.m. central time at Callahan Hall.