Dec. 23, 2011

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MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shot just 26.7 percent from the field in falling to 10th-ranked Marquette, 64-50, Thursday night at the Bradley Center.

Milwaukee (9-4) converted just 16-of-60 from the field, including only 4-of-28 from three-point range, in falling to its crosstown rival.

Ryan Allen did have 16 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks to lead the Panthers, who were very stingy on defense against the usually high-scoring Golden Eagles (11-1). But UWM simply couldn't overcome its struggles on offense.

Junior Cadougan led Marquette with 15 points. UWM's defense was able to limit the Golden Eagles to just 39.3 percent shooting from the floor, though, and keep the Panthers in it most of the way. In spite of the shooting troubles, Milwaukee was still within two points late in the first half, within five at the break and within seven with just under nine minutes to play.

Kaylon Williams added 11 points and eight rebounds while Kyle Kelm pitched-in with 10 points for the Panthers, who also had 16 turnovers.

"Just a couple more shots and maybe we're in a different position down the stretch and we have a little better result," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "When I look at this tape again, I'm going to see some guys that were in position to be successful and I'm encouraged by that. I know my guys and I know how confident they are, and they will be ready and they will step up and make shots."

Milwaukee found itself in an early hole as Marquette built a 16-7 advantage in the first seven minutes of the game. But, the Panthers pulled within 16-12 on an Evan Richard three and then were within 27-25 as Allen and Tony Meier strung together four free throws on a series that included a Marquette technical foul.

The Golden Eagles tried to seize control of the game right away in the second half, opening with six-straight points to build a 37-26 lead. The advantage grew to 41-28 on a Davante Gardner hoop with 12:50 left, but Milwaukee did not go away. A pair of Kelm free throws brought the Panthers back to within seven at 45-38 but UWM would never get any closer. Jae Crowder buried a three with just over five minutes left to push the MU advantage to 56-41 and the Golden Eagles were never threatened after that.

UWM will return to Horizon League play following a brief break for the holiday. The Panthers play at Valparaiso next Thursday before a New Year's Eve afternoon tilt with Butler.