Jan. 9, 2009

Box Score |  Photo Gallery  Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference

MILWAUKEE - Rahmon Fletcher hit two free throws with 5.4 seconds remaining as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay captured a 77-75 overtime victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Friday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Phoenix made 8-of-10 free throws in the overtime period, while UWM did not visit the foul line in the extra session.

The Panthers (9-6, 5-1 Horizon) overcame a 13-point second-half deficit and led 75-73 after a Tone Boyle three with 2:38 remaining. But, UWM did not score from there.

Avery Smith scored 21 points to lead four players in double figures for Milwaukee, which saw its four-game winning streak snapped. Boyle added 17, Anthony Hill had 15 and James Eayrs pitched-in with 13.

Ryan Tillema led Green Bay (11-5, 4-1) with 24 points, while Fletcher added 19.

The Panthers shot just 38.7 percent from the field and converted just 7-of-25 from three-point range. After UWM made just 2-of-16 from three to start the game, the Panthers did make five of their final nine from long range.

"You have to give a lot of credit to Green Bay. Their defense was solid. We missed some shots," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "We just need to get stops defensively. That's where this team is going to make the most growth. Everyone is so enamored with our shooting, but it's about getting stops."

Milwaukee's comeback truly came together over the final five minutes, as UWM trailed 62-52 with 5:03 remaining. But, threes by Boyle, Smith and Eayrs brought the Panthers all the way back, with the three from Eayrs tying the game at 65 with 13 seconds left.

Green Bay's Randy Berry then had his shot blocked by Ricky Franklin, giving the Panthers one final possession in regulation. But, a Franklin jumper from 15-feet away rimmed off, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra session, the Panthers took the lead on a layin by Eayrs with 4:23 remaining and then led for a final time on the Boyle three with 2:38 left. But, two free throws from Tillema on a foul that disqualified Franklin and then the two free throws from Fletcher made the difference for Green Bay.

UWM struggled from the outset, falling down 11-4 before trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half. The Phoenix lead was 11 at halftime and the Panthers really didn't make a dent in it until their surge over the final five minutes.

The Panthers did make all 20 of their free-throw attempts, but shot just two free throws in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Milwaukee will next step out of league play for a Monday contest with SIU Edwardsville. The Panthers then finish next week with home games against Youngstown State and Cleveland State.