Nov. 19, 2008

Box Score |  Notes

Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference

MILWAUKEE - Avery Smith scored 22 points to lead four players in double figures as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee claimed an easy 87-59 over Upper Iowa Wednesday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers built a 15-point halftime lead and then steadily extended the advantage in the second half.

Deonte Roberts added 12 points, James Eayrs 11 and Ricky Franklin 10 for Milwaukee (3-1).

The Panthers shot 60 percent from the field, the fourth-best performance in UWM's Division I history. UWM did it by regularly beating defenders to the basket. UWM scored 50 points in the paint and needed assists on just six of its 30 field goals.

"I want us to share the basketball. We were able to get to some places without making a pass, but I thought we were a little careless at times, with a few unforced turnovers," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "I don't want to make it seem like I am not excited about the win. We're 3-1, and that is exciting. I just know this group can be a little more efficient and a little more disciplined. I do like the fact that we have some options and a lot of people that can contribute."

One of those options is Smith, who took the game over in the second half. During one stretch, Smith scored 14 of UWM's 15 points.

"To have a player that can do that really helps," Jeter said. "He didn't turn it over, he was attacking the rim, he did a lot of things right. That's what I'm proud about with Avery. It's no secret how much we have grown up together, him and I, and for us to be sitting here together, celebrating a victory, talking about how he played well, that's what I like."

Mark Lafrenz had 11 points to lead Upper Iowa (0-2), which shot just 37.5 percent from the field and had 18 turnovers.

The Panthers had their lead to double digits by midway through the first half and pushed it to 17 by early in the second half. Milwaukee then led 56-35 on a free throw by Smith with 11:48 remaining and the advantage grew to 24 at 72-48 on a Smith layin with 6:34 remaining. UWM then led by as many as 31 points as the reserves played significant minutes down the stretch.

UWM made liberal use of its bench, with 10 different players seeing double-digit minutes and 14 total players seeing action.

The Panthers return to action Saturday night, facing nationally-ranked Marquette at the Bradley Center. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.