The Milwaukee Panthers currently sit in fifth place after a pair of split result weekends. Last weekend, they went to Cleveland and posted a 1-1 record against the Vikings. This past weekend, they traveled to Indianapolis and they split with the Jaguars.
Cleveland State Recap
In Game 1, the Panthers lost to Cleveland State 64-53. They battled, trailing by only two at halftime. They were within three points after a Grant Coleman three-pointer at the 8:33 mark, but they could never draw closer. DeAndre Gholston led the team with 20 points, Te’Jon Lucas added 16, and Grant Coleman chipped in 11. Lucas was extremely aggressive, getting to the basket and earning fourteen free-throw attempts.
In Game 2, Milwaukee was down by fourteen with under three minutes to go. They then embarked on a furious comeback, scoring 21 of the final 28 points to draw even. Donovan Newby tied the game with free throws at the end of regulation. Newby finished 8/8 from the free throw line in this game. In overtime, the offense was limited. The Panthers outscored the Vikings 8-7, with DeAndre Gholston hitting the game-winner with three seconds to play. Gholston finished with 21 points on a 6/13 shooting day and a 7/8 tour at the free throw line. Te’Jon Lucas posted a phenomenal offensive game, scoring 31 points. While he posted 19 shots, he made 11 of them. Lucas was also a perfect 6/6 from the charity stripe. Lucas was also able to secure ten rebounds to finish with a double-double.
IUPUI Recap
In Game 1, the Panthers fell by five, 73-68. IUPUI led by six points at halftime, and Milwaukee drew within one point at the eight minute mark. The Jags extended their lead before a Panthers comeback brought the score to 70-68, a Donovan Newby basket trimming the lead at 1:18. Two missed three pointers by Te’Jon Lucas and some late game free throws delivered the victory to IUPUI.
Milwaukee salvaged a sweep with a 83-76 win in the second game. IUPUI led by six points at the break before the Panthers shot 67% from the field in the second half to deliver the victory. DeAndre Gholston led the team with 24 points, as he was 8/15 from the floor and 5/7 from the line. Te’Jon Lucas (14), CJ Wilbourn (11) and Donovan Newby (10) all finished in double figures. Wilbourn and Courtney Brown Jr each finished with eight rebounds.
What’s Left?
The Panthers are 6-5 in the Horizon League, good for fifth place. They trail Cleveland State (12-2), Wright State (11-3), Northern Kentucky (7-5) and Oakland (8-6) in the standings. A top four finish would deliver a first round bye and a home game in the quarterfinals.
They are one-half game ahead of both UIC and Detroit (5-5). Fort Wayne and Green Bay are both 5-9 in the league, behind them A top eight finish would give the Panthers a home game in the first round of the Horizon League tournament.
Milwaukee will play Northern Kentucky twice at home this weekend. They follow that up with a road trip to Wright State and a two-game series at home against Oakland. They certainly have the schedule in front of them to make some noise in the standings. It will take a strong effort from their stars to make that climb.
Tuori Sports Report 