CLEVELAND – Milwaukee women's basketball was unable to overcome an early deficit, falling to Cleveland State in a Horizon League loss on Wednesday evening at the Wolstein Center.
 
Colbi Maples of Cleveland State led all scorers with 20 points, while Jada Leonard added 14. All 66 of the Vikings' points came from their starting five, as CSU shot 37.3 percent from the field and knocked down eight three-pointers.
 
Leading the way for the Panthers was Jorey Buwalda, who recorded 13 points and 12 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season. Grace Lomen also reached double figures with 10 points, including two of Milwaukee's four three-point makes.
 
The Panthers shot 35.8 percent from the field with 19 makes, but 17 Milwaukee turnovers were costly, resulting in 20 Cleveland State points and contributing to the 66-46 final.
 
Milwaukee managed just six makes in the opening 20 minutes and trailed 36-13 at halftime. The Panthers rebounded with a 13-for-30 shooting effort in the second half, but it was not enough to mount a comeback as CSU continued answer Milwaukee baskets.
 
Cleveland State held a 40-36 advantage on the glass and tallied 18 assists on its 25 made field goals. Milwaukee finished with 10 assists, led by Madison Fitzgibbon with four.
 
Kendall Barnes and Micayla Silas each scored six points, while Tierney Madigan pulled down six rebounds and Payton Rechlicz added four boards.
 
Milwaukee will look to bounce back on Saturday, returning home for a Homecoming matchup against Wright State. The Panthers and Raiders will tip at 2:00 p.m. from the Klotsche Center.