Feb. 22, 2003

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team put two players in double figures but it wasn't enough as No. 21 UW-Green Bay outlasted the Panthers, 75-50, in Horizon League action here Saturday (Feb. 22). The Phoenix, who led 22-5 at one-point, with stood a second half Panther run to improve to 22-3 overall and 13-1 in the league. With the loss, Milwaukee fell to 13-12 overall and 9-5 in league action. UWGB clinched the regular season league title with the win while UWM sits in a second place tie with UIC.

Green-Bay, which placed four players in double figures led by Kristy Loiselle's 19 points, took a 35-25 lead into the half. The Phoenix forced 14 UWM turnovers in the first half while shooting 48.4% from the floor. Milwaukee connected on just 45.8% of its first half shots while not attempting a single free throw.

The two teams traded baskets numerous times throughout the early portion of the second half as UW-Green Bay could not put the pesky Panthers away. In fact, the Panthers cut the Phoenix lead to eight midway through the second half on a Molly O'Brien baseline jumper. However the Panthers could never get over the hump as UW-Green Bay's veteran leadership and patient offense proved too much down the stretch. Green Bay clinched the game late thanks to a ball control offense and fine passing, which eventually led to layups or free throws.

The game, which was in question up until the 5:00 mark, finished with Green Bay connecting of their final five free throws of the game. The Phoenix offense headed up in the second half, shooting 55.6% from the floor to finish the game shooting a 51.7% clip. Green Bay added 17 assists and 11 steals to go with five three point baskets.

The Panthers, who saw their season long winning streak snapped at seven, shot just 34.6% from the floor in the second half while hitting five-of-eight free throws. Jessica Wilhite hit four three pointers on the game to finish with 16 points while Maria Viall added 14 points and a game high nine boards. In addition to Loiselle, UW-Green Bay put three other players in double figures with Tiffany Mor adding 15 and Natalie Yudt and Chandra Johnson adding 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Milwaukee will look to start a new winning streak on Thursday when it plays host to Wright State University on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Panthers will then finish the regular season Saturday when Butler University comes to the Klotsche Center for a 12 p.m. contest. UWM will assure itself of at least a second place Horizon League finish with a pair of weekend victories.