Game #15 – Milwaukee 84, Detroit 81 (OT)
Player of the Game - Kaylon Williams did a little bit of everything, even overcoming heavy foul trouble to be on the court when it mattered. Williams scored a UWM-high 17 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes. He made four 3-pointers, none bigger than the three that tied the game at the end of regulation. And, he played with a confidence and command on the court that helped the Panthers fight through a number of difficult situations over the 45 minutes.
Turning Point There were plenty, but the five-point run that made the difference included Anthony Hill and Tone Boyle. Hill didn’t get a lot done offensively against Eli Holman, but his inside basket with 2:11 remaining in overtime brought Milwaukee within 79-78. Boyle then converted a three on UWM’s next possession and the Panthers never gave the lead back.
Stat That Mattered - You don’t have to look much further than the three-point shooting, as the Titans conceded those shots to the Panthers and they finally cashed in. Overall, Milwaukee made 16-of-37, with Milwaukee making 13-of-24 in the second half and overtime. UWM missed 10 of its first 11 three-point tries.
The Notebook - UWM’s 16 made threes are tied for the third-most in school history … the 37 attempts are tied for the fifth most … this is the first time Milwaukee has had five players in double figures since a loss to Western Kentucky in November of 2009 … the Panthers played an overtime game for the first time since beating Wright State in extra time last January … this was UWM’s third road win of the season … the Panthers have now won 15 of their last 19 meetings with Detroit and have won three-straight in Calihan Hall … the Panthers made just three of their first 23 field goals. It actually was a stretch where Milwaukee missed 19 of 20 shots, as UWM made two of its first three field goal tries before going cold … Tony Meier has now been in double figures on offense in six of his last eight games … this was the third time this season and the seventh time in his career Tone Boyle scored 20 or more points.
Up Next - Milwaukee plays for the third time in five days, returning to the U.S. Cellular Arena for a Monday night contest with defending national runner-up Butler.
