MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee men's basketball team overcame an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation but could not complete the impressive comeback, falling to UIC in overtime by a final score of 105-100.
 
The Panthers (8-17, 4-8 Horizon League) used a 15-4 scoring run over the final 2:58 against the Flames (12-12, 5-6 Horizon League), playing into overtime for the fourth time in their past five games. The improbable comeback included the final seven points in the last 37 seconds of regulation.
 
"If you are a basketball fan, that is a heck of a basketball game to attend and watch," Milwaukee head coach LaVall Jordan said. "The unfortunate part, is somebody has to lose. And their guys – give them a ton of credit – Coach McClain has a great young group and they made big plays. And our guys made big plays to stay in the game and give us a chance."
 
Brock Stull went off for a career-high 30 points, topping his former best of 26 set earlier this season. He just missed a double-double, finishing with nine rebounds while also making all eight of his free throw attempts – four of them in the last 16 seconds to force the tie and extra time.
 
He was at his best in clutch time, scoring 22 in the second half and overtime, including 10 of Milwaukee's final 13 points in regulation over the final 2:39.
 
"He hates to lose," Jordan said of Stull. "He is one of our most competitive guys. We had a huddle where I said 'the coaches can't want it more than the players' and he took that to heart and led us."
 
Stull posted the first 30-point effort for UWM in 42 games, propelling the team to its first 100-point effort in 47 outings.
 
"The competitive level of that game for 45 minutes was high-level," Jordan said. "Proud of our guys for the way they fought. These guys are giving the effort that it takes."
 
Jeremiah Bell scored 16 points, while Cody Wichmann had 14 points and six rebounds. Two other players came off the bench to net double-figures, as UWM connected on 53.5 percent (38-of-71) of its shots on the afternoon.
 
Bryce Nze was an impressive 6-of-7 from the floor to net 13 points to go along with eight rebounds. Cameron Harvey was also in double-figures, finishing at 10.
 
The Flames put on an high-level shooting display overall, connecting on 61 percent (36-of-59) of its field goals on the day – making 15 three-pointers. Five different players finished in double-figures, led by a career-high double-double of 25 points and 11 assists. Dominique Matthews had 23 – including 15 in the first half, and 19 from K.J. Santos.
 
The Flames led by as many as 13 in the second half and still held a commanding 81-70 advantage with three minutes remaining. From there it was all Panthers. Harvey hit a fastbreak layup and Stull had a dunk, layup and jumper in that order and the comeback was on.
 
A three by Bell kept up the momentum and then Stull came through from the free throw line to extend it to OT. He went 4-for-4 from the line in the waning seconds, helped along by a strong defensive effort that kept UIC from scoring.
 
The Flames jumped out fast in overtime, however, with Ferguson outscoring the Panthers 7-2 in the first minute. Milwaukee had the deficit back down to two points at 92-90 on a pair of Stull free throws midway through the period. But – as was the case all day – the Flames hit a big 3 to stem the tide. UIC converted 10 of its 11 attempts from the free throw line in overtime to secure the victory.
 
Up next, the Panthers make their final extended road trip of the regular season, traveling to Ohio and Kentucky for games against Wright State and Northern Kentucky. The Raiders are up first, tipping Thursday at 6 p.m. CST.