Milwaukee wins 66-56
By Mike McMillan
Staff Writer
For much of the first half Milwaukee used tough, aggressive play to take control of the game. Senior Marcus Skinner crashed the offensive boards, tossing in six offensive rebounds in the half. Along with tough inside play the Panthers were able to dial it from long distance, hitting 6-of-15 three-point shots in the half.
The combination of inside and outside was good enough for 19-9 lead with 14 minutes to go in the half. The Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix would not go away so easily climbing their way back into the game with a 12-0 run of their own. Milwaukee would hold on to the lead going into the half up 33-32.
As the second half started it seemed as though Milwaukee’s aggressive play from the first half shifted over to the Phoenix bench, sparking a 13-0 run to begin the half. Down 33-45 with just over 14 minutes to play it was the freshman Deonte Roberts who kept his cool bringing the Panthers back in the game. Roberts tossed in 13 second half points to lead the way for the Panthers with 17 total points.
Roberts continued to attack the Phoenix defense, penetrating deep into the lane where he did most of his damage. Roberts stated that in a team huddle he told head coach Rob Jeter “spread the floor because Schachtner can’t guard me” which just shows how much confidence he has in his game.Again it was Skinner who ended the game with a career-high in rebounds, 17 (10 of those being of the offensive variety). Every time the ball didn’t find the rim it was Skinner who picked up the mess.
When asked about the career-high Skinner stated “I know I’m an athletic player so I try to contribute, athleticism and rebounding go together, all you have to do is have the determination to get it.” With the momentum back on their side Milwaukee snatched the lead back on a Deion James three with six minutes to go in the game. James ended the game 4-for-7 from behind the arc and 16 points good for second on the team.
The Phoenix bench now looked as if they had lost some emotion. The Panthers used an amazing 26-5 run, spanning just over 12 minutes of play to cap off another incredible victory. “I see 27 second chance points and I think that sums up the character of these young men, they battle through so much,” said head coach Rob Jeter.With Basketball being a game of runs the Panthers defiantly took advantage of every run they had and limited any Phoenix run that sprouted up.
Milwaukee bounced back from a tough loss to Butler on Tuesday with a gutsy performance tonight as they swept the Phoenix on the year. Next up for the Panthers will be their last road game to Cleveland St. on Wednesday night.
