SOUTH BEND, IND. – The Panthers (3-1) suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of No. 18 Notre Dame (2-0) Tuesday night at the Purcell Pavilion. The 86-78 loss snapped the Panthers’ seven-game winning streak that dated back to February.
Milwaukee led by as many as six points on the night behind the strength of a 14-for-21 shooting performance from beyond the arc. The lead changed six times, but ultimately the Panthers were unable to overcome their 12 turnovers, including six in the last six minutes.
“When Notre Dame decides to turn it up, they are difficult to handle,” Milwaukee head coach Rob Jeter said. “But I was really pleased with how we battled back. Although it hurts to lose, we can take away a lot of positives from tonight.”
photo: mkepanthers.com
Matt Tiby picked up his second double-double of the season scoring 16 points and grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds. Akeem Springs made all four of his three-point attempts en route to a 21 point performance and Austin Arians added 19 points on 5-for-7 shooting from three-point range. Jordan Johnson chipped in with 11 points and 10 assists for his first career double-double. As a team, the Panthers shot 50 percent from the field.
Milwaukee was able to give Notre Dame a good run, but the Fighting Irish were able to hold them off by outscoring them 44-to-24 in the paint. Demetrius Jackson led Notre Dame with 20 points and seven assists.
Milwaukee returns home for the first time this season on Friday, Nov. 20 to host Trinity International at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally on the Time Warner Cable Sports Channel.