Box Score |  Notes

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Jan. 23, 2008) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team nearly overcame an 18-point deficit late in the second half, but fell short in losing to the University of Illinois at Chicago, 62-59, Wednesday evening at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (10-8, 5-2 Horizon) trailed 54-36 with just over 10 minutes to play, but could not get a shot off in the final 10 seconds in falling. The Flames (6-11, 2-4 Horizon) ended UWM's five-game winning streak with their second-straight league win.

"UIC played a great game and just outplayed us. Jessie Miller had a great night. All the credit goes to UIC," Milwaukee head coach Sandy Botham said. "They beat us off the dribble, made their shots and hung on tight. It was a gallant effort. We've played so well these last five games. They looked at UIC's record and thought it was a `W'. I've told our players that we can't just win by showing up."

Junior Traci Edwards led Milwaukee with 16 points and a season-high 18 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome a career-high 27 points from UIC's Jessie Miller.

The Flames had stretch a four-point halftime advantage into an 18-point lead midway through the second frame before the Panthers mounted their comeback. UWM held UIC to just 3-for-12 shooting after the game high lead, including seven-straight misses by the Flames.

"We were aggressive attacking the glass and making the plays," Botham said. "Defensively, we turned it up. We pressed them and were able to turn up our intensity, get back into the game and put ourselves in position to tie."

At one point, Milwaukee scored 10-straight points to pull within three at 62-59 with 11 seconds remaining. Junior Turquoise McCain then fouled Miller on the inbounds. Miller missed the front end of a one-and-one to set up the final possession. UWM brought the ball up, but could not find a three-point opportunity against the Flames' pressure defense and time expired.

Despite the comeback, the Panthers shot a dismal 29 percent in the second half, but countered with a 31-14 rebounding advantage in the frame to hang in the game. They ended the night shooting just 32.7 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from three-point range and an uncharacteristic 65.4 percent effort from the charity stripe.

Meanwhile, UIC shot 45.8 percent on the night, led by Miller's 10-for-15 effort from the field. The sophomore guard also hit all five of the team's three-pointers (5-for-15) on eight attempts. The Flames protected the ball, dishing out 14 assists compared to just nine turnovers.

Senior Aubri Rote joined Edwards in double-figures for UWM with 10 points, while freshman Jineen Williams added eight.

Briana Hinkle (12 points) and Taylor Manley (10) joined Miller in double-figures in helping UIC to its first road win of the season (1-7).

In the first half, Miller was the difference, scoring 19 of her team's 31 points, including its final 16 of the half. The Panthers held close, leading by as many as five at 14-9. UIC then rattled of eight-straight points, before a 7-0 UWM run made its 21-17 with 6:10 remaining before halftime.

Miller then outscored Milwaukee, 14-6 down the stretch to give the Flames a 31-27 advantage at the break.

"I feel like we came out flat," Edwards said. "We looked at UIC's record and probably came out expecting to win with the streak we've had. But, that's not how it works. We can't just go out and win without trying. We need to get back on track and rolling the rest of the league season."

The Panthers are in action next this Saturday, hosting Loyola at the Klotsche Center, beginning at 2 p.m.