Feb. 16, 2005

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

MILWAUKEE - Joah Tucker scored 21 points and added 14 rebounds as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee overcame a slow start to claim a 64-53 win over Butler and the outright Horizon League regular season title.

Ed McCants actually led the way with 22 points for the Panthers (20-5, 12-2 Horizon), but it was the inside force of Tucker that helped UWM overcome 35.9 percent shooting and just 2-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc.

Butler (10-14, 5-9) scored the first eight points of the game and led by 11 twice in the first half. But the Panthers pulled within one at halftime, then took the lead for good on the first possession of the second half and gained control of the game the rest of the way.

UWM also claimed its 20th win of the season, meaning the Panthers have now won at least 20 games in three-straight seasons, the best such streak in school history. And, along with hosting the second round and semifinals of the league tournament, UWM would also host the championship game if it advances.

But, much like when they clinched a share of the crown Saturday night, the celebration was muted. UWM students stormed the court at the game's conclusion to join the players on the floor, but no nets were cut down and the Panthers quickly turned their attention to the rest of the season.

"It's really mixed emotions," McCants said. "Last year we worked hard during the regular season to pace ourselves for the tournament and get to the NCAA. We didn't achieve that and lost by three in the finals. We're trying to remember this year that the job isn't done."

What turned the game Wednesday was the same thing that often turns the game, UWM's pressure defense. The Panthers were unable to use it early because they weren't scoring, but eventually it took hold and forced a Butler team that was third-nationally in fewest turnovers to commit 15 in the game.

"You can't press if you don't score," UWM head coach Bruce Pearl said. "So when we weren't scoring, we weren't pressing. The press was the difference. I thought the other difference was Joah. Nobody could tangle with him inside."

The Panthers actually used a 12-0 run from late in the first half through early in the second half to turn a 27-19 deficit into a 31-27 lead. The advantage hit 38-31 on an Adrian Tigert layin and was still seven after a McCants hoop. The Bulldogs pulled within two on one occasion and three on two others, but the Panthers rebuilt their lead to nine on a layin by Chris Hill and a three by McCants and then were never threatened in the final four minutes.

UWM struggled through the first 20 minutes of basketball, shooting just 25.7 percent while going 0-of-10 from three-point range. The Panthers fell down 8-0 to start the game and eventually trailed by as many as 11 on two occasions.

The Panthers finally seemed to find their stride toward the end of the half. Trailing 27-18 after a three by Bruce Horan with 2:56 remaining, the Panthers quickly pulled within three in six-straight points by Tucker. Then, James Wright hit a pair of free throws with 47 seconds remaining to pull UWM within 27-26 at the break.

UWM returns to action Saturday with a nationally-televised contest at Hawai'i. Game time is set for 7 p.m. CST on ESPN2, and the game is part of ESPN's Bracket Buster Saturday.