Feb. 25, 2014

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MILWAUKEE - Kelsey Barlow scored 23 points as UIC claimed its first Horizon League win of the year in an 80-58 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Tuesday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The Panthers (16-13, 6-9 Horizon) again could never get on track offensively, shooting just 31.6 percent from the field. Plus Milwaukee had trouble controlling the UIC attack, as the Flames shot 51.9 percent and efficiently added to their 12-point halftime lead.

Kyle Kelm had 12 points to lead three Panthers in double figures.

Jordan Harks added 10 for UIC (6-23, 1-14).

The game spoiled Senior Night ceremonies for a six-member class that includes Kelm, Jordan Aaron, Thierno Niang, Malcolm Moore, Mitch Roelke and Quinton Gustavson. Manager Sarah Kuehl was also honored prior to the game.

Even with the loss, and a four-game losing streak, Milwaukee could still claim a home game in the first round of the league tournament.

"We just weren't in the right place," Milwaukee head coach Rob Jeter said. "Now you give a lot of credit to a team in UIC that has been battling all year and has been searching for a night to put it all together. They've been very close, and tonight they put it all together.

"We were very flat, unemotional and not into the game from the beginning."

Barlow set the tone for UIC, scoring nine of his team's first 14 points. Eventually Jake Weigand's layup made it 27-14 and two-straight baskets by Will Simonton pushed the edge to 37-18.

Milwaukee rallied before the half ended, as Matt Tiby scored nine-straight points to pull the Panthers within 37-27.

UIC answered, though, with Marc Brown and Hayden Humes scoring to push edge back to 47-28. Milwaukee would never get closer than 17 points after that.

The Panthers wrap up the regular season Thursday night at Detroit. That game begins at 6 p.m. Milwaukee will then open Horizon League Tournament play next Tuesday night.