Nov. 7, 2009

Box Score
Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference - Audio
Parkside Postgame Press Conference - Audio

MILWAUKEE - Ricky Franklin scored 21 points to go with six assists and six rebounds as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee wrapped up exhibition play with a 63-50 win over UW-Parkside Saturday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers led by as many as 17 points in the second half as Milwaukee used 15 different players in the contest.

James Eayrs was the other UWM player in double figures with 11 points, while Jason Averkamp added nine off the bench.

Jeremy Safford scored 13 points and Grant Johnson added 11 for Parkside.

Both teams struggled from the field, with each shooting just 33 percent for the game. But Milwaukee made 10 three-pointers and outscored the Rangers, 17-8, from the foul line.

UWM dug itself an early 9-2 hole but scored the next nine points to take the lead. Parkside had its final lead at 25-23 before Milwaukee took the lead for good on a three-pointer by Franklin. Two more three-pointers by Franklin then gave the Panthers a 35-29 advantage at the half.

UWM quickly extended the lead to double digits in the second half. A three-pointer by Eayrs made it 41-31 just over two minutes in and then two Franklin free throws made it 43-31 with 16:25 to play.

From there, the lead grew to 59-45 on a pair of Franklin free throws with just over six minutes to play and a jumper by Lonnie Boga pushed the edge to 61-45 with five minutes left.

The Panthers will open the regular season Friday against Concordia-St. Paul. The game begins at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena.