Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Jan. 28, 2010) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team held Valparaiso to just 29.9 percent shooting and an 0-for-16 performance from three-point range in defeating the Crusaders, 54-48, Thursday evening at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (9-10, 4-4 Horizon) never trailed in posting their third-straight win. Valpo (6-13, 3-5 Horizon), meanwhile, became the first opponent Milwaukee has held without a three-pointer since Nov. 25, 2001, at Montana State (0-for-6).

"That was a grind-it-out `W.' I thought, defensively, we did a really nice job," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "We focused in on their strengths and forced them into what they are not comfortable doing. It was a little sloppy offensively, sluggish at times and not sharp. Fortunately, we were able to grind it out and get a win. We did it with defensive."

Junior Lindsay Laur Led Milwaukee with 19 points and seven rebounds, while senior Jodie McClain had 11 points, six boards and four assists. Junior Ashley Imperiale finished with seven points and sophomore Alex Klawitter and freshman Sami Tucker scored six points apiece.

Lauren Kenney tied her career high with 26 points to go with 13 rebounds for Valparaiso. She also scored 26 points at the Klotsche Center last season. Kelly Watts has 12 points and 11 rebounds, as the rest of the team combined for just 10 points and 13 rebounds.

UWM was not dominant on offense in the first half, but was able to shut down the Valpo offense and hold the visitors at bay. The Crusaders missed their first 11 shot attempts of the game and shot just 21.9 percent in the half. The Panthers, meanwhile, shot 35.7 percent to lead by as many as 10 before halftime. The score was 15-12 at 7:09 in the frame when Milwaukee rattled off a 10-1 run and did not allow another field goal made until 20 seconds remaining.

The Panthers led 23-15 at halftime, before pushing that lead to 13 points midway through the second half. Valpo began to show signs of life at that point, pressing on defense and scoring nine-straight points to make it a four-point game at 38-34 with 6:58 remaining in the game. McClain then hit a pair of free throws and junior Anne Breland knocked down a three to push the lead to nine and the Cusaders would get no closer than five the rest of the way.

Milwaukee then went 13-of-14 from the free throw line after the Breland three to ice the game.

The Panthers shot just 33.3 percent for the game and just 27.8 percent from three-point range, but sank 19-of-22 free throws overall. They also won the rebounding battle for the third-straight game, 40-37.

Kenney and Watts combined on a 15-for-33 effort from the field, while the remaining Crusaders were just 5-for-34 and the team finished at 29.9 percent. Despite having the 17th-most prolific three-point shooter in the country in Betsy Adams (3.0 made per game), Valpo could not get a three-pointer to fall.

UWM returns to action Saturday afternoon, hosting Butler at 2 p.m. The game will be part of the WBCA's annual Pink Zone. The Panthers will wear special pink jerseys and admission is free.