Feb. 13, 2010

Box Score |  Jeter Postgame
Bidlingmyer Postgame Radio Interview |  Audio Highlights

DETROIT, Mich. - Ricky Franklin scored 16 points to lead three players in double figures as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee captured a key 71-60 win over Detroit Saturday afternoon at Calihan Hall.

The Panthers (14-12, 6-8 Horizon) trailed by eight points early in the game but then led by as many as 12 in snapping a three-game losing streak.

Milwaukee hit 12 three-pointers as a team, with James Eayrs scoring 15 points on five 3-pointers. UWM also got great contributions from its bench in avenging last month's 81-65 home loss to the Titans.

Tony Meier led those bench efforts with 12 points, while Jason Averkamp added eight points and 11 rebounds. Lonnie Boga also contributed eight points as the UWM bench outscored Detroit's, 31-9.

Eli Holman had 13 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Titans (15-12, 7-8).

The Panthers turned a one-point halftime lead into a 42-35 advantage when Franklin hit a three early in the second half. Detroit crawled back to within two points but would never reclaim the lead, as a 15-5 run gave Milwaukee a 59-47 lead with 8:00 remaining. The Titans then could never get closer than five points after that.

The Panthers recovered from a slow start to carry a one-point lead into the halftime locker room. Detroit scored 13 of the first 18 points of the contest, but UWM countered with a 17-4 run to claim a 22-17 advantage.

The Titans fought back to reclaim a lead twice, as UDM led 28-27 and 31-29. But, a basket by Franklin and a single free throw from Riley Walker put Milwaukee up 32-31 at the break.

Eayrs hit a three to start the second half and spark UWM's early run. After Detroit closed to within 44-42, a three by Jerard Ajami restored order and Milwaukee eventually led 59-47.

Thomas Kennedy scored five in a row to bring the Titans within five at 59-54, but baskets by Franklin and Ryan Haggerty pushed the edge back to 63-54. Eulis Stephens converted a three-point play to make it 63-57, but four in a row from Milwaukee created a 67-57 lead with 2:14 remaining. A layin by Ajami with under a minute to play then sealed the win, Milwaukee's fifth double-figure road victory.

UWM continues a busy stretch of games with a Monday contest against Youngstown State. The game tips off at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena.