New Faces, Boosts From Bench Send Panthers Past Loyola Marymount
Nov. 14, 2008
AMES, Iowa - Tone Boyle had 20 points to lead four players in double figures as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee opened the 2008-09 season with an impressive 75-51 win over Loyola Marymount Friday in the opening game of the World Vision Classic. The Panthers used a 19-4 run over a four-minute span of the second half to blow the game open. Freshman Tony Meier added a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds while Deion James pitched-in with 14 points, all in the second half. James Eayrs also added 10. Milwaukee made 14-of-33 from three-point range, as Boyle, Meier and James each knocked down four apiece. Vernon Teel scored 18 points to lead Loyola Marymount. The expectation the Panthers would shoot the ball well from distance this season after an influx of good shooters to the roster proved true on this night. Milwaukee outscored LMU, 42-0, from three-point range and spread the floor effectively throughout the game. "We hope we can keep shooting the ball that way. I like the guys and I like their confidence," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "In our exhibition games we really got the ball inside so so far we've really been able to show a little inside-out basketball. The outside shooting was good and we just need to continue to do that." The new faces accounted for nine of the three-pointers, with Eayrs adding a triple to the four apiece from Boyle and Meier. "In the first half the ball was coming my way and in the second half Deion got quite a few and had a real good second half, and so did Tony Meier," Boyle said. "If we can spread it around like that we should be good."
Milwaukee was really in control most of the game, leading by as many as 13 points in the first half and by 12 at the halftime break. LMU did cut the lead to 45-38 with 11:01 remaining, but Milwaukee's big run followed, eliminating any doubt in the outcome. "Overall I was pleased," Jeter said. "We can play better. That's what I am excited about - knowing there are some things we can correct." UWM continues play in the World Vision Classic Saturday afternoon, taking on Cal Davis at 3. |
