Dec. 20, 2008

Box Score
Bradley Postgame Press Conference
Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference

MILWAUKEE - Tone Boyle scored 24 points and Avery Smith added 21 as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee claimed an 86-74 win over Bradley Saturday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers (6-5) led by as many as 21 points in the first half and then hung on in the second half.

Ricky Franklin, back in the starting lineup for the first time since late November, added 13 points and a collegiate-best 13 rebounds, while James Eayrs pitched in with 11 points off the bench.

Milwaukee made 10 three-pointers in the first half in building a 50-32 halftime lead. UWM then turned its attention inside in the second half, converting on 19-of-28 from the foul line.

UWM also had to hang on down the stretch without Smith, who fouled out with 6:40 to play on an offensive foul that sent officials to the replay monitor in determining whom the foul was on.

But, Boyle scored nine of his points after Smith left the game in helping the Panthers hang on to their first win over a Missouri Valley Conference foe since 2002.

"We just had some guys that had to step up," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "When you do have some changes in the lineup or some things go a little hairy, you just trust in the plan and trust in each other, it can usually get you through some of those tough times. That's what this team is starting to show - a trust in each other."

Though Bradley made things interesting for a while in the second half, the Panthers took control of the game in the first 20 minutes. UWM led by as many as 21 points, with Smith scoring 19 of his points in the first half.

"Their energy and effort in the first half, just getting to loose balls and rebounds, that got them going and then they got on a roll and made some shots," Bradley coach Jim Les said. "We allowed some good offensive players to get into a rhythm and start making shots."

Shortly after Smith fouled out, Eddren McCain converted a layup to bring Bradley within six at 65-59. But, the Panthers quickly scored the next five points to regain control. Then, a three-point-play by Eayrs with 2:07 remaining pushed the lead back to 14 and allowed the Panthers to empty their bench.

UWM will now take time off for the Christmas holiday before returning to action Dec. 30 at UIC. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST and can be seen live in Milwaukee on Time Warner Cable Sports 32.