Jan. 28, 2009

Box Score
Loyola Postgame Press Conference
Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee put four players in double figures and set school records for offensive and total rebounds in claiming a 72-58 win over Loyola Wednesday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers (13-8, 8-3 Horizon), who had dropped a pair of road games this past weekend, led by 13 points at halftime and by as many as 20 points in the second half.

UWM was dominant on the glass, collecting 59 total rebounds and an astounding 34 offensive boards. The Panthers claimed a +36 total rebound margin and a 34-2 edge on the offensive glass.

Avery Smith had 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead Milwaukee, which has won nine of 11 at home this season. Tone Boyle added 15, Ricky Franklin 13 and James Eayrs 10.

J.R. Blount scored 12 points to lead Loyola (12-10, 4-6), while Darrin Williams added 10.

Milwaukee's backcourt wasted little time in sending the message its struggles in Indiana were in the past. Franklin and Smith combined for 16 of UWM's first 21 points as the Panthers built a double-digit lead in the first four minutes, and Milwaukee never really let up.

"I just wanted to come in and compete and help my team get a victory," Smith said. "This weekend we had a tough weekend but we were able to bounce back and not get discouraged. That shows a lot about the character of our team."

"We talked about being more aggressive," Franklin said. "The past week I was a little passive, not looking for my shot, not looking to penetrate, pretty much just out there. Today I just wanted to be aggressive and run the team.

"You feel a little bit better out there when you are hitting shots instead of bricking all day."

The Ramblers pulled within four midway through the half but a pair of Deion James free throws and a three by Boyle gave Milwaukee a 38-25 lead at the break.

Loyola again pulled within five early in the second half but Milwaukee countered with a 16-1 run to put the game away. Boyle and Jason Averkamp each hit threes during the burst while an Eayrs follow-up basket inside finished things off, giving Milwaukee a 60-40 lead with just under 10 minutes to play.

From there, UWM managed the game and emptied the bench, claiming a season sweep of the Ramblers.

The Panthers will wrap up the week with a Saturday night home game against UIC. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST.