Jan. 5, 2006

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CHICAGO - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee built a 14-point halftime lead and was never threatened in the second half en route to a 68-45 win over the University of Illinois at Chicago Thursday night at the UIC Pavilion.

Joah Tucker led the Panthers (10-3, 3-0 Horizon) with 20 points. UWM has won six-straight games and nine of its last 10.

UWM used an 18-5 run in the first half to take control of the game and then maintained a double-digit edge all of the second half. The lead grew to more than 20 points in the final eight minutes before the Panthers emptied their bench, with all 15 players in uniform appearing in the contest.

Othyus Jeffers scored 11 points to lead the Flames (8-7, 1-2).

Milwaukee put forth its best defensive effort of the season, limiting the Flames to just 28.6 percent shooting from the field. The Panthers also tallied 52 rebounds, 16 on the offensive end, to become just the second team to outrebound UIC this season.

"I am pleased with our effort for 40 minutes," Milwaukee head coach Rob Jeter said. "You know how emotional these games can be, all league games, especially for our seniors who have played in this heated rivalry for four years. To come in here and stay poised, stay focused on playing basketball and nothing else, I was pleased."

After leading by 14 at the break, the Panthers patiently maintained and then built on their lead. UIC never got closer than 12 in the second half. The lead hit 53-36 with 11:50 remaining and grew to 58-40 with 8:20 left. Soon after, advantage grew to more than 20 before the bench emptied.

The Panthers steadily built their first half lead. After UIC built an 8-6 lead in the first four minutes, Milwaukee responded with an 18-5 run to build a 24-13 lead. Seven points from Tucker and three points from Boo Davis highlighted the run, which also saw UIC convert just two field goals in an eight-minute span.

After the Flames cut the lead to 24-15, a three by Davis and a hoop by Tucker pushed the lead to 29-15 with 5:53 left in the half. Adrian Tigert then picked up his second foul, followed closely by Tucker picking up his second, yet Milwaukee held its lead with both on the bench for the rest of the half. Three-point baskets by Tyrone Young and Chris Hill helped the Panthers maintain a 37-23 lead into the locker room.

UWM has only one day of rest before retaking the court. Saturday night, the Panthers host Butler at the U.S. Cellular Arena. The game begins at 7 p.m.