Nov. 23, 2010

Box Score  |  Postgame Extra

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MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shot just 29 percent from the field in falling 67-55 to Western Michigan Tuesday night on Retro Night at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (3-3), playing a regular season game on campus for the first time since the 2003-04 season, never got on track offensively against the Broncos (1-2).

Anthony Hill did have 15 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, which also got 16 points from Tone Boyle and 11 rebounds from Tony Meier.

Flenard Whitfield had 19 points to lead Western Michigan, which led by as many as 16 points in the second half.

The story of the day for the Panthers was simple, though. UWM made just 18-of-62 shots from the field, including 6-of-29 from three-point range. And, Milwaukee also hit on just 13-of-23 from the foul line.

In the end, the 29 percent output was the worst by a Milwaukee team at the Klotsche Center since 1999. It was also eerily reminiscent of a 2001 contest at the Klotsche Center against Western Michigan, when Milwaukee made just 19-of-63 from the floor and went 0-for-21 from three-point range.

Meanwhile, after struggling itself in the first 20 minutes, Western Michigan took advantage of an overplaying Panther defense in the second half to make 15-of-22 shots from the floor.

The first half wasn't pretty either way, as Milwaukee shot just 27.6 percent while Western Michigan shot just 27.3 percent. The two sides also combined for 17 turnovers and made just 4-of-23 from beyond the arc.

The Panthers led by as many as three points in the early going only to see the Broncos build a 23-16 advantage following a three-pointer by Alex Wolf.

But, a layin by Meier and a hoop from Ryan Allen brought Milwaukee within 23-20 at the half, and then a Hill basket out of the blocks in the second half brought the Panthers within 23-22.

Western Michigan countered with the next 10 points to take control of the game, as Whitfield scored six of the 10 points to make it 33-22 with 16:42 remaining.

The Panthers did pull within seven and even six a handful of times, but could never truly get over the hump. The final surge by Milwaukee saw three-straight points from Hill make it 47-40 with 5:30 remaining. But, with the shot clock nearly expired on the Broncos' next possession, Mike Douglas buried a three to push the lead back to double digits and effectively end any threat by the Panthers.

UWM returns to action Saturday night, playing host to crosstown-rival Marquette at the U.S. Cellular Arena. That game begins at 8 p.m.