Feb. 21, 2009

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Milwaukee Postgame Press Conference
North Dakota State Postgame Press Conference

MILWAUKEE - Mike Nelson scored 22 points and North Dakota State shot 52.5 percent from the field en route to a 77-69 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Saturday night in an ESPNU BracketBusters contest at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The senior-laden Bison (21-6) showed why they are in position to earn a first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament berth, building a 13-point lead early in the second half and then never letting the Panthers closer than five from there.

Milwaukee (15-12) landed five players in double figures, with James Eayrs and Ricky Franklin leading the way with 14 points apiece. The Panthers also committed just five turnovers and had 17 offensive rebounds. But, UWM shot just 36.8 percent from the field and was just 6-of-29 from three-point range.

Brett Winkelman added 15 points while Ben Woodside had 12 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for NDSU, which has won 13 of its last 14 games.

The contest pitted a pair of former UWM and Wisconsin assistants, as Rob Jeter and Saul Phillips each worked at both schools under Bo Ryan.

UWM recovered from a slow start to pull within three points at the half. The Bison rode hot shooting to an early 18-8 advantage, but a layin by Deonte Roberts gave the Panthers a 21-20 lead. NDSU scored seven in a row to go back up 27-21 and NDSU still led 32-27 with two minutes to play. But, a driving layin by Boyle brought Milwaukee within 32-31 and UWM went into the locker room down 34-31.

But, the Bison started the second half with a surge that put NDSU in control. A Winkelman layin pushed the lead to 44-31 and Milwaukee never got closer than five points. Deonte Roberts scored on a layin with 7:30 to play, bringing Milwaukee within 57-52. And, a three by Franklin made it 62-57 with 5:10 remaining. But, the Bison restored their lead back to 10 points on a Michael Tveidt layin with 1:33 remaining and the Panthers never threatened after that.

The Panthers will wrap up the regular season with a pair of Horizon League road games. Milwaukee plays at Wright State Thursday night and at Detroit Saturday afternoon.