Jan. 24, 2008

Box Score |  Notes

MILWAUKEE - Paige Paulsen scored 24 points and Marcus Skinner added a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee captured a 76-69 win over Youngstown State Thursday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers (11-8, 6-3 Horizon) have now won eight of their last nine games and retained sole possession of third place in the Horizon League with first-place Cleveland State visiting Saturday night.

UWM's balanced offensive attack also included 12 points from Deonte Roberts and 10 points apiece from Ricky Franklin and Deion James. Plus, the Panthers committed just six turnovers and claimed 17 offensive rebounds.

Byron Davis scored 22 points to lead Youngstown State (7-12, 3-6), which has lost five of its last six games.

The Panthers built a 16-point first half lead and then had to hang on as the Penguins pulled within three in the second half. But, Milwaukee made 7-of-10 free throws while holding YSU to just four points in the final three-plus minutes of the game.

"These guys keep trying to make believers out of everyone," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "We knew Youngstown was a much better team than we saw there. I was pleased with the turnovers, pleased with the victory and now we have to get ready for another one."

Milwaukee rode a fast start to an 11-point halftime edge. The Panthers scored nine of the first 11 points of the game and, after YSU cut the lead to one, UWM quickly built a double-digit advantage at 22-11. The Panthers then looked like they might run away, extending their lead to 38-22 on a Paulsen three with 2:40 remaining. But, Youngstown hung in, pulling within 40-29 on a three-pointer by Davis before heading into the locker room down 42-31.

YSU fought back throughout the second half, pulling within four at 58-54 and again at 60-56. Then, a three-pointer by Vytas Sulskis pulled the Penguins within 64-61 with 6:14 remaining. But, the Panthers responded by scoring seven-straight points to regain control before hanging on late.

"Anytime you win it's a great feeling," Paulsen said. "Seeing us come together as a team has been fun, too. When we're on the court, it's all five guys looking for each other trying to find a way to win."

UWM wraps up its weekend homestand Saturday by hosting first-place Cleveland State. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST.