Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Feb. 19, 2009) - Senior Traci Edwards had 32 points and 14 rebounds, but it was not enough as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team fell to Loyola, 70-66, Thursday evening at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (11-14, 6-8 Horizon) had defeated the Ramblers (7-16, 2-11 Horizon) 10-straight times, while falling to Loyola at home for the first time since 1987.

"Loyola played really well, give them a lot of credit," Milwaukee head coach Sandy Botham said. "They imposed their will on us and shot extremely well. Their strength is shooting and they did it well. We had a tough time guarding it. We made great runs, but it's the story of our season, just not being able to finish it."

Edwards tallied her 10th career 30-point game, despite not starting for the first time this season, and was the only UWM player in double-figures. Senior Turquoise McCain and sophomore Lindsay Laur had nine points apiece, while sophomore Jenilee Klomstad added eight.

Maggie McCloskey led Loyola with 18 points by knocking down four 3-pointers. Keisha Collins chipped in 17 and Jessica Hylton ended with 11.

The Panthers trailed by as many as 13 in the first half, but ended the frame on a 14-8 run to make it a 35-28 game at halftime. They then opened the second half on a 9-2 run to tie things at 37-37 with 14:49 to play.

Loyola then answered with six-straight points, to which the Panthers responded with six-straight of their own to knot the game at 43-43 at the 8:36 mark. That would be the last time the score would be tied as McCloskey hit a three to start a 15-5 Rambler run.

"We (tied the game), but then missed layup, missed jumper, then they come down and hit a three. That was kind of it," Botham said. "That's what we've been struggling with, making plays down the stretch and executing consistently."

UWM fought back within six in the final minutes of the half, but could get no closer until Edwards converted three-straight layups to end the game and provide for the final score.

Shooting was the story of the game, as Loyola shot 44.6 percent from the field and made 9-of-16 from three-point range. Meanwhile, the Panthers were 38.9 percent overall and made just 4-of-16 three-point tries. UWM did manage a dramatic 31-18 differential in free throw attempts, but converted just 64.5 percent. Loyola was marginally worse at 61.1 percent.

"Our goal was to get to the free throw line 30-plus times. We did that," Botham said. "The kids executed that well and we just weren't able to finish it. It's making plays. They made plays when they needed to and we didn't."

Edwards took the bulk of the Panther charity tosses, putting in 14-of-19. Three Rambler post players finished with at least four fouls in enabling her shooting spree, including Shannon Finnegan, who fouled out with about 11 minutes remaining.

Milwaukee did protect the ball, committing 17 turnovers compared. It also had 17 assists on 21 made field goals. Junior Jodie McClain was responsible for eight assists, compared to zero turnovers.

The Panthers close out the home portion of their schedule Saturday, hosting UIC at the Klotsche Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will follow Senior Day festivities.