Nov. 22, 2011

Box Score | Postgame Report

MILWAUKEE - Junior Sami Tucker had 15 points and nine rebounds to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team against Michigan State University, falling by a final score of 70-57 Tuesday night at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (0-3) went toe-to-toe with the defending Big Ten champion Spartans (4-2), who had been ranked No. 25 in the preseason poll. But a 13-0 run that spanned the final seven minutes of the first half and into the second ended up being the deciding factor in the game.

"I felt like our players really came to play and they played with great aggressiveness and a true belief that they could play with Michigan State," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "I was pleased. We talked about being fierce competitors and that's what we did. Overall, it was a game that we will be able to learn a lot from."

Sophomore Angela Rodriguez had a season-high 13 points and sophomore Courtney Lindfors gave UWM three players in double-figures with 12 while adding five rebounds. The defense played well again, forcing 16 turnovers on the night.

Becca Mills had a career-night to lead MSU, topping the team with 20 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Porsche Poole added 16 points and six assists.

The Panthers led early and pulled within one at 19-18 on a three by Rodriguez with 6:44 left in the first half. That was when the decisive run started, with the Spartans scoring the next 13 points of the game.

"That's the thing," Botham said. "As much as it's a loss, we can take a lot of positives from it. I think the lid kind of came off tonight for us and the lull to end the first half really hurt us. But, shooting 50 percent in the second half - I thought we were much more aggressive and able to cut into the lead and make a game of it. The pieces are coming together. That's the most important thing. Give Michigan State credit - they hit the shots to kind of break it open in the first half and they are a good team."

Down 29-18 at halftime, Milwaukee quickly cut a 32-18 deficit to eight points on a three-point play by Lindfors and a three-pointer by Tucker. After trading baskets, UWM again was within seven on a three by sophomore Emily Decorah at 36-29, but the Spartans would respond.

Michigan State would build its lead back to 12, but a layup by Kiki Wilson and another three by Decorah again made it a seven-point affair. UWM would get within six on a three by Rodriguez at 48-42 with just under 10 minutes to go, but could get no closer.

Despite a noticeable size difference, Milwaukee was outrebounded by just six overall at 33-27 and had 14 assists compared to just 12 turnovers.

The Panthers shot 41.1 percent (23-of-56) from the floor for the game, including a solid 50 percent (15-of-30) in the second half and made seven three-pointers. Michigan State ended the night at 50 percent overall (23-of-46) and made 16 free throws compared to just four by Milwaukee. Decorah ended with eight points and Wilson had seven points and six assists.

Up next, the Panthers open a five-game road trip at Western Illinois Saturday. Tip off is set for 4:30 p.m.