Dec. 1, 2011

Box Score | Postgame Report

MILWAUKEE - Ryan Allen scored a team-high 14 points to lead three players in double-figures as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball team took over in the second half in posting a 59-41 victory over Loyola University Thursday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

Up just four after a back-and-forth first half, the Panthers (6-1, 1-0 Horizon League) outscored the Ramblers (1-5, 0-1 Horizon League) by a 37-to-23 count in the second half to claim the victory in the league opener for both teams.

"I thought it was a team win," Milwaukee head coach Rob Jeter said. "We had some guys make some timely shots. And that run in the second half really gave us some confidence. The defensive effort has given us an opportunity to win games. We cannot go away from the defensive effort, but, offensively, if we can just put it together then we can have a lot more fun. But as long as we can just win by one, we will take it."

Allen added five rebounds while Kyle Kelm scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kaylon Williams had a great all-around game with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Walt Gibler had 13 and Ben Averkamp 12 points to lead Loyola.

"To hold a team to 41 points is a pretty special effort," Jeter said. "We are still trying to put together a full roster for game night. And, I am pretty proud of these guys - it's just the next guy steps up. The next guy gets his opportunity and plays hard. You look at 42-to-20 on the boards, only seven turnovers, 12 assists, 34 points in the paint - that's the type of game we want to play."

The win was the fifth-straight in a league opener for UWM and matches its best start since an identical 6-1 opening to the 2004-05 campaign.

In addition, Tony Meier made his first appearance of the season, returning from a calf injury to record three points and grab four rebounds in 18 minutes of action.

"It felt great just to get out there and play with my teammates again," Meier said. "I have been so anxious these first six games that I have been sitting and watching, so it was nice to get out there and get my feet wet."

Milwaukee shot 46.7 percent (14-of-30) in the second half and was in control after a quick start. Up 25-22, the team used an 8-0 run, capped by back-to-back three-pointers by Allen and Evan Richard, with Richard's basket making it 33-22 and forcing a Loyola timeout with 14:46 remaining.

After trading baskets, the Panthers led 40-27 before scoring 14 of the next 22 points to build their biggest lead of the night, making it 54-35 on a Kelm jumper with just under four minutes remaining to lead by 19.

UWM dominated the boards, winning that battle by a 42-to-20 count, including 17-to-4 on the offensive side. That led to 34 points in the paint and 16 second-chance points, holding dramatic edges over the Ramblers in both categories (34/8 and 16/2). UWM ended up shooting 43.6 percent for the game (24-of-55), while Loyola was at 35.7 percent (15-of-42).

A back-and-forth first half featured three ties and five lead changes, with UWM taking momentum into the locker room on a nice run to end the first 20 minutes. Tied, 14-14, with 7:08 to play, Milwaukee went on an 8-to-2 run, capped by a dunk from Kelm to lead 22-16. Loyola scored the final basket to trim the advantage to 22-18 at intermission.

The Panthers are right back at it Saturday, continuing league play when they host UIC at 1 p.m.