Milwaukee closes out home stand with a statement victory over Youngstown State, 88-75

BJ Fr33man-- of the many '22-'23 storylines, this one is Panther fans' favorite.

In what came as a bit of a surprise to fans of both teams this marquee Horizon League battle of #1s, this contest was not close. Milwaukee (14-6, 8-2 Horizon) led Youngstown State virtually the entire game, with the exception of a couple brief YSU runs at the beginning of the game and early in the 2nd half. Outside of that, Milwaukee led by at least 5 and as many as 15 points, never letting their guard down on D.

Many Panthers helped cobble together this big win, but none were as productive as BJ Freeman, who chalked up a huge double-double (30pts, 6reb, 11ast). Yes, you read that right. Our leading scorer also had 10 assists(!)- this is the kind of unselfish play that makes champions. Moses Bol (8pts, 5reb, 4blk) logged effective minutes for the second straight game.

Ahmad Rand (12pts, 5reb) and Markeith Browning II (11pts, 8reb, 2blk) provided several highlight blocks and dunks. Kentrell Pullian (17pts, 6reb) continues to show why our backcourt is so deep and deadly.

Your Milwaukee Panthers stood tall and delivered Saturday night

We saw a much more focused and controlled Milwaukee offense last night. We seem to be getting to a point where we are very comfortable running a quick 2-3 pass set across the full court. If that "transition offense" is efficient, we shoot over 60 shots, make over 20 3s, score over 80+ - and usually win.

Last night was interesting in how quickly the Panthers seemed to press ahead of Youngstown State. Making last night's contest look like an overmatched beatdown takes some serious skill. It will be harder on the road against the Penguins.

Welcome to the heart of the college basketball regular season schedule- NCAAT Cinderellas are made in February and provided a stage in March/April. And right now, Milwaukee (though tied with NKU for #1) seems to be the clear favorite to win the Horizon League Tourney and represent the league in the Big Dance 2023.

Team keeps knocking on the door of a side of Panther Hoops (expected success) we've all but forgotten...

Seriously?

Can someone wake us Panther fans up?

Because none of this is familiar. We are known for missing our chance out of the Horizon League; as a low-major that once upon a time at the turn of the century had a legitimate shot at elevating to the profile of a Butler or at least a shot at joining a better conference like the MVC or A10.

But I digress- let's enjoy the magic show that Coach Monday (lundi, non?) has brought to a "once bitten 2x shy", cynical Milwaukee Panther fan base.

The team hits the road this coming week for contests at Wright State on Thursday and at Northern Kentucky Saturday afternoon. The Wright State game will likely be the lesser challenge but let's not fall into a trap looking ahead. If this team can continue playing at this high of a caliber they won't lose another league game.

go panthers  

stack good days.