The Panthers owned the glass en route to a 73-60 win against IPFW Monday night at the Klotsche Center.
Milwaukee (5-5) outrebounded the Mastodons (4-9) 50-26 on the night and held their opponents to just 16-for-59 (27.1 percent) shooting. UWM sealed the win by knocking down 19 free throws in the second half.
“We played exceptionally hard and that is what we were preaching all week is never quitting,” Milwaukee head coach Kyle Rechlicz said. “I was really proud of our defensive effort. Even though we fouled quite a bit, I thought that we had opportunities where we got some big stops down the stretch.”
UWM shot 22-for-48 (45.8 percent) from the field, including 8-for-21 (38.1 percent) from three. The Panthers also blocked a season high eight shots. Not everything was clicking for the Panthers however, as they put IPFW on the line for 37 free throws. Milwaukee also committed 29 turnovers, 16 more than IPFW.
The Panthers had three players in double-figures Jenny Lindner and Sierra Ford-Washington each scored 12 points and Steph Kostowicz notched 10.
It was a full team effort offensively as Sydney Howard and Alexis Lindstrom both scored 9 points and Emma Roenneburg chipped in with 8 points and 8 rebounds.
“I think that is one of the things that makes us unique this year,” Rechlicz said. “In the past, we’ve relied on some really talented players – Angela Rodriguez, Ashley Green – and now I feel like we have a team of talent. On any given night, one of them can score. You can go down the line, our entire team has the ability to score.”
Rachel Rinehart and Josie Fisher each scored 14 points to lead the way for IPFW.
Milwaukee’s next game is an early afternoon matchup with Green Bay on New Year’s Day. The Horizon League opener is set to tip-off at 2 p.m.