The memories of one magical March run still linger around the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus. Now, the Panthers are aiming to make some more, and they’re one victory closer to doing so.
In 2014, the UWM men’s basketball team won four consecutive Horizon League Tournament games as a No. 5 seed to claim not only the championship, but also its accompanying NCAA Tournament bid.
This year, UWM again enters tournament play as the fifth seed. And just like two years ago, it has flashed the potential to win another title.
The Panthers got off to a strong start Saturday afternoon at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. UWM dominated its first-round game against Northern Kentucky, winning 86-69. UWM Senior Matt Tiby had 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the Panthers shot 54.9 percent from the field and made 11 3-pointers. UWM improved to 20-12, making this head coach Rob Jeter’s fifth 20-win season with the Panthers.
“I was really pleased with our guys and the preparations we put into this game,” said Jeter, whose team led 44-28 at halftime. “The first half might have been our best 20 minutes of basketball on the defensive end. We’ll need to duplicate that effort if we want to continue to advance in this tournament.”
UWM plays again Sunday at noon CST against UW-Green Bay, a game that will be broadcast on ESPN3. Another win would put UWM in Monday’s semifinal game against top-seeded Valparaiso, set for a 6 p.m. CST tipoff on ESPNU. Tuesday’s title game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2.
All UWM games can also be heard on WISN-AM 1130.
The Panthers’ season has been highlighted by nonconference wins over UW-Madison and Minnesota, as well as a stretch run that saw UWM win three of its final four games. Another testament to UWM’s competitiveness: Six of its eight Horizon League losses, and nine of its 12 losses overall, came by four points or less.
UWM boasts two players – Tiby and junior Jordan Johnson – who earned All-Horizon League Team honors earlier this week.
Free tickets are available for students through the UWM Ticket Office, while tickets for the general public are available through the ticket office or at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office throughout the tournament.
