March 1, 2008

Box Score |  Photos by Trevor Thompson 

MILWAUKEE - Scott Vandermeer scored 17 points and added 13 rebounds as the University of Illinois at Chicago captured a 63-55 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Saturday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers (14-15, 9-9 Horizon) still secured a tie for fourth place in the league standings and the fifth seed in the upcoming league tournament. They will face Loyola in a first round game at the U.S. Cellular Arena Tuesday at 7.

But, on this night, UWM could not overcome a 26-14 deficit in fouls or a 39-16 disadvantage in free throw attempts.

Jason Averkamp had 11 points and eight rebounds while Ricky Franklin added 10 for Milwaukee.

Karl White Jr. added 14 points for UIC (16-14, 9-9).

The Panthers, already shorthanded, saw three players foul out. Franklin was in the most foul trouble, playing just 20 minutes before fouling out with over six minutes to play on a foul near midcourt.

"There's a lot of stuff we've been battling (all season long), so that's a little thing," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "Our guys kept battling to the end, and that's what I'm most proud of."

Milwaukee trailed by eight early in the second half before recovering to claim a two-point edge. Then, after UIC rebuilt a nine-point lead, the Panthers cut the deficit to two with 2:37 left. But, UWM would never get any closer.

Both teams struggled through the first 20 minutes. In fact, UIC didn't convert on a field goal over the final 7:39 of the half while UWM went over four minutes without a field goal of its own. The Flames did have a four-point lead early and the Panthers led by two points late in the half before the two teams went into the locker room tied at 24.

The game marked the final regular season appearance at home for Paulsen, Allan Hanson and the injured Marcus Skinner.

"I've got nothing but respect and love for my seniors," Jeter said. "These guys deserve a lot of credit, clearly."