The Milwaukee men’s basketball team won 88-58 over MSOE in the home opener at the UWM Panther Arena Friday evening. Several players led the way in scoring to keep the Panthers on a sharp win.
Brock Stull took a quick dash to the inside and jumped up for the first points for Milwaukee. Stull had a double-double, adding 11 rebounds to his 13 points.
Cody Wichmann added 13 points. Wichmann went 3-of-6 from the 3-point line Friday evening.
Senior Cody Wichmann is confident in his ability to shoot for the team in his final season.
“If my shot is there, I’ll take it,” said Wichmann. “Whenever my number is called, I’ll just be ready.”
Friday’s game was Cody’s first as a senior, and was also played under a new head coach, as LaVall Jordan made his debut as the Panthers’ head man.
Jordan was focused on his team under the lights in this game.
“It’s for our guys, the first time out there in the arena and when it counts,” said Jordan. “They’ve been working so hard each and every day and they push each other. People kept asking me, ‘are you nervous or excited,’ and I’m just excited to see them go out and execute.”
Jordan and his new team managed great minutes, having 10 of the 15 men in uniform crash the scoreboard. Five of the Panthers were in double-digits.
“I couldn’t have asked for a greater group of guys,” said Jordan. “We all enjoy playing and being around each other, on and off the court.”
The game took a turn with foul trouble on both ends. The Panthers picked up the speed in the second half to increase their lead.
MSOE challenged the Panthers with a three at the start of the second half. Milwaukee tightened their defense and moved the ball more efficiently.
The Panthers controlled the floor on 54 percent shooting. Guard Cameron Harvey helped pace the Panthers with 5-of-7 shooting on the night, along with freshmen Bryce Nze and Bryce Barnes, who came off the bench with eight apiece.
Milwaukee will travel to Tennessee for the next game on Wednesday against the Memphis Tigers. Kickoff is at 7PM and will be broadcast on ESPN3.
Jeremiah Bell also came off the bench with 10 points. Looking forward to a great season. I hope to see more fans come out to the games and show their support!