CHICAGO, ILL. – The Panthers sure wanted to exorcise some demons from the loss to Valparaiso, and it is safe to say they did just that in an 87-62 shellacking of UIC on Saturday afternoon. Four Milwaukee players achieved double figures to help the team roll.
UWM used a 27-6 run over the final ten minutes of the first half to turn a two-point game into a 23-point halftime lead. Coach Rob Jeter talked about that run as being the key moment in the game.
“That run really put UIC back on its heels,” he said. “Our goal coming in was to keep UIC off rhythm because they’ve made a big jump the last three or four games.”
Forward Matt Tiby led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding, achieving his fourth 20-point game with 23 points and 7 boards. In addition, swingman Akeem Springs notched 17 and four rebounds. Jordan Johnson ran the offense well, scoring 10 points and dishing out 12 assists vs. only two turnovers.
Johnson scored seven of those 10 to key a 10-0 spurt in the first half that opened the game for the Panthers, turning a two-point lead into a 12-point bulge that was part of the explosion over the latter ten minutes of that frame. Jeter lauded Johnson’s discipline and quality decision-making.
“Jordan makes more good decisions late in the shot clock than anyone I’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “Today, he was the player he has been all season for us.”
In addition, forward J.J. Panoske hit a three to give UWM a 75-45 lead after UIC had gotten within twenty, and the Flames never got any closer than 22 after that. Paris Burns paced the home squad with 19 points.
The Panthers get the week off before retuning to Panther Arena to take on Detroit on Saturday. Tip time is set for 3 p.m.