uwmpost.com
SPORTS
December 5, 2011
5
Panthers avoid a UIC scare, remain undefeated in conference
Milwaukee escapes late Flame surge to lockdown two-point victory By Nick Bornheimer Staff Writer sports@uwmpost.com
The UW-Milwaukee Panthers men’s basketball team overcame poor free-throw shooting and a late squandering of the lead Friday afternoon at the U.S. Cellular Arena to move to 2-0 in conference with a 73-71 overtime victory over the University of Illinois at Chicago. Milwaukee (7-1, 2-0 Horizon) was coming off of a 59-41 beatdown over Loyola in their conference season opener Wednesday. This one had fans a little more anxious. The Panthers’ Kyle Kelm scored a game-high 18 points, and the team would need nearly every one after shooting just 22 percent from the line down the stretch and giving up an 11-point lead with less than five minutes to play. “He’s been big,” senior guard Kaylon Williams said, referring to Kelm. “He’s just very efficient, and he does what we need him to do.” The Panthers, who appeared to be in control of the momentum, let UIC (2-5, 0-2 Horizon) hang around. The Flames took their first lead of the game with just over 27 seconds left in regulation. Despite Williams missing five free throws in the final 2:10 of regulation, he made big plays when it counted, hitting a free throw to bring the game into overtime and a late free throw to help secure a tight victory. “They’ll fall,” said Williams, who finished with 13 points. “I’m just glad my teammates picked me up.” UIC was able to storm back from a 51-40 deficit with big plays from
seniors Paris Carter and Darrin Williams, who finished with 14 and 10 points respectively. “Even when they got down by double digits, they continued to fight,” UWM coach Rob Jeter said. “That shows a lot of character for that team.” James Haarsma added 14 points, and Tony Meier contributed nine points of his own. Ryan Allen finished just a rebound and a point short of a double-double, but had a far bigger impact in a different facet of the game. “Defensively, the blocks were big,” Jeter said. “[Allen] made some timely plays.” Allen finished with five blocks, one of which saved the Panthers from falling in regulation. UIC’s Gary Talton went up for a layup as time expired, but Allen made an incredible block to see the game into overtime. The Panthers gained momentum in the overtime on a Haarsma threepoint play and a Paris Gulley threepointer, as Milwaukee was able to squeak out a close one. Jeter acknowledged that even though free throws have been emphasized in practice, the team still needs more work. “Well, I’m glad we practiced free throws yesterday; that’s all we did,” Jeter said jokingly. “We really have to make sure that we can get to the free throw line and make them.” The Panthers now must keep their nose to the grindstone, as they turn around and play Monday night at DePaul. Tip off is set for 8 p.m. “It was a hard fought match.” Jeter said. “We still don’t have a full roster on the f loor, but guys just seem to step up and make enough plays.”
Sophomore Kyle Kelm poured in 18 points as the Panthers held of UIC Saturday afternoon. Post photo by Austin McDowell