MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Megan Walstad recorded her fourth straight double-double with a career-high 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee women's basketball team to a 65-44 win over Cleveland State on Saturday.
 
"This was one of our most impressive games. The composure that we played with especially in that first half and the balance that we played with was incredible," head coach Kyle Rechlicz stated. "And that was started by Bre Cera. She just made some incredible passes at the beginning of that game. She really showed senior leadership. I thought our entire team played with so much heart both from an offensive and defensive perspective."
 
Walstad finished 11-for-15 from the floor and also matched a career-high with four blocks as Milwaukee (13-1, 10-0 Horizon League) earned its fifth straight Horizon League sweep. The Panthers have now won 13 straight regular season league contests dating back to last season, the longest such streak in program history.  
 
"Our team is so selfless, and they did such a great job of finding her. Her touch is incredible around the rim," Rechlicz continued. "I thought today in particular she was more balanced taking her time a little more. We did a great job of finding her. She has a natural ability to go up and get boards. Her timing is spectacular. I'm very happy to have her on our team.
 
It was a dose of Walstad early and often to get Milwaukee rolling as she totaled eight points and six rebounds in the first quarter alone, cashing in on assists from McKaela Schmelzer and Cera.
 
After allowing 15 first-quarter points, the Panthers clamped down on defense and held Cleveland State (2-6, 2-6 Horizon League) to 2-for-16 from the floor and 0-for-5 from three-point range in the second. Meanwhile, Walstad added eight more points as Milwaukee matched their largest halftime lead this season at 38-20.
 
The Vikings knocked down a three-pointer on their opening possession of the second half, but eight straight points from MKE put the Panthers up 46-23.
 
CSU cut the deficit to 19, but two more field goals from Walstad gave Milwaukee a commanding lead of 55-32 through three quarters.
 
The Panthers gave Cleveland State no breaks the rest of the way, holding the Vikings to 4-for-12 shooting in the fourth as Milwaukee claimed a 21-point victory.
 
Milwaukee once again dominated the rebounding battle, totaling 46 to just 26 for CSU. The Panthers also held a 30-16 points in the paint edge.
 
Cera played one of her most complete games this season on both ends of the floor, totaling seven points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and a block.
 
Emma Wittmershaus provided solid minutes as well, pulling in eight rebounds and adding five points and two assists in 20 minutes.
 
The Panthers will next meet IUPUI for a showdown of Horizon League unbeaten teams. Game one of the weekend series will be at 5:00 pm CT from Indianapolis, Ind. Live coverage links can be found on MKEPanthers.com.