The Milwaukee Cream City Classic opened with a wire-to-wire 91-74 victory over Portland State on Friday. The invitational, last held in 2022, continues on Saturday and Sunday at the UWM Panther Arena.
Guards AJ McKee and Themus Fulks both set season highs, reaching the 20-point mark while Darius Duffy and Jamichael Stillwell each posted double-doubles.
“I can’t say enough about how well Duffy played when we came in,” said Lundy. “When the team needs him, he always steps up.”
Panthers off to Stronger Start Than Last Season
The win was their second against a Division I opponent this year, their first coming against Duquesne on Tuesday. Milwaukee lost six of seven to open their D-I schedule last year.
“They’re unselfish,” said head coach Bart Lundy. “Everybody finding their place quickly has helped.”
McKee scored the first seven of the game as part of his 21-point performance. The senior transfer from Queens (NC) was named to the preseason second team all-Horizon League.
Milwaukee never relinquished the early lead, holding a 46-39 lead at intermission.
“Being connected right now, I kind of expected it,” said McKee.
Faizon Fields did not return after leaving with a hand injury with 12:19 remaining in the first half. Fields is averaging 6.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on the year, and was named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team last year.
Lundy had no injury update to provide after the game.
The head coaches earned double-technical fouls with 4:18 left in the half after jawing at each other over a foul call.
The host-Panthers pulled away with a 21-4 run beginning at the 10-minute mark in the second half, boosting their 11-point lead to an out-of-reach 87-60 advantage.
“The guards [McKee and Fulks] have good chemistry,” said Lundy, whose team outscored their opponent 33-8 on fastbreaks. “Jamichael is rugged and does his job. John [Lovelace Jr.] has been a star in his role.”
Panthers Without Two Key Players
Preseason all-league honoree Erik Pratt missed due to personal reasons, his third straight absence. The transfer from Texas A&M scored 12.5 points per game including 36.1% from three-point range in 2023-24, his first in black and gold.
Louisville transfer Danilo Jovanovich missed due to an arm injury. He has yet to make his Panther debut.
“He’s doing everything he can to play,” said Lundy, who indicated he may miss the entire season with a full ligament tear. “We miss him.”
Lost amidst the 20-point performances and double-doubles was a solid performance from Lovelace, who scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Duffy finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds; Stillwell scored 14 and rebounded 11.
“After that first dunk, it’s just straight running,” said Duffy. “I get hyped and we get better.”
Milwaukee out-rebounded the Vikings by 16. Their work on the boards led to 25 second-chance points and a 12-point advantage in the paint.
“It’s just an effort thing,” said Duffy. “Size does come into play a little bit, but not as much as you think.”
Three Vikings reached double digits in scoring – UNLV transfer Shane Nowell (14), Jaylin Henderson (12) and Terri Miller Jr. (10).
Panthers Debut New Uniforms
Friday also marked the debut of their new white uniforms, which feature “Panthers” across the chest.
Along the side of the shorts is the retro Panther logo, which served as the school’s primary identifier from 1965-84. Lundy said the logo is his favorite of the emblems in use.
The Oregon-based team entered Friday at 2-1 in their three games, all non-conference. They were picked to finish sixth out of 10 teams in the official Big Sky Conference preseason poll.
The meeting between Milwaukee and Portland State was the first since Dec. 8, 1979. The Panthers were coached by Bob Gottlieb, father of Green Bay head coach Doug Gottlieb.
Milwaukee resumes its portion of the Cream City Classic against Wofford on Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by St. Thomas at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Additionally, Portland State and St. Thomas square off at 12 noon on Saturday, and Portland State faces Wofford at 11 a.m. on Sunday. All games are at the Panther Arena.