UWM Comes Up Short In FranceAug. 28, 2003 RUEIL, France - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fought back from an eight-point deficit over the final four minutes of regulation to force overtime before falling, 112-108, to Rueil of France Thursday night. The Panthers trailed 91-83 with 3:45 left, but a Joah Tucker basket with 2:40 remaining pulled UWM within three at 93-90. The deficit was still three with 34 seconds left but a single free throw by Chris Hill and two free throws by Tucker brought the Panthers even to force extra time. In the overtime period, the Panthers tied the game again on a Hill three with 48 seconds left. But Rueil converted on two free throws, sandwiched around an intentional foul call, before scoring a dunk to end the game and provide for the final margin. Dylan Page scored 21 points to lead UWM, despite again being saddled by foul trouble.Tucker scored 20 points, with 18 coming after halftime, while Hill added 19. "This is my fourth trip overseas with a college team. Each time the experience propelled us to do things in the regular season that might not have been possible without the experience," UWM head coach Bruce Pearl said. "We continued to show great character by battling back. Every player on this trip contributed." The Panthers trailed much of the night in the tiny gym outside of Paris. UWM trailed by 12 at halftime and was still down nine late in the third quarter before starting to rally. Kalombo Kadima's three with 7:20 remaining in the fourth period originally brought UWM within one before Rueil again expanded its lead, setting the stage for the Panthers' late comeback.
UWM finished 3-3 on the trip.
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