Marquette University
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Stuns Marquette With 63-62 Victory
12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 31, 2008
MILWAUKEE -- UW-Milwaukee emerged from a New Year's Eve matinee against Marquette with a 63-62 come-from-behind victory over the Golden Eagles (9-5) at the Al McGuire Center. Traci Edwards led the Panthers (5-6) with a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds, but it was Ashley Imperiale who provided the late-game heroics Wednesday that ultimately snapped MU's 11 game-win streak over its cross-town opponent.
Following four lead changes in the second half, Marquette's Angel Robinson led a 3-on-2 fast break and found a wide open Janelle Harris who knocked down her first 3-pointer of the season to give the Golden Eagles a 62-57 lead with one minute, nine seconds remaining in regulation.
Harris' clutch basket let the MU fans breath a collective sigh of relief. But the game was far from over in the eyes of the Panthers.
UWM's Jineen Williams quickly rattled off back-to-back baskets to get the Panthers to within one at 63-62. UWM then fouled Krystal Ellis who missed her first attempt from the foul line with 16 seconds on the clock, allowing UWM to get the rebound and regain possession.
After a 30-second timeout the Panthers avoided a turnover as Harris was whistled for a foul diving for the loose ball. UWM's Turquoise McCain was injured on the play and had to leave the court allowing head coach Sandy Botham to choose a replacement to shoot the one-and-one with 3.6 seconds remaining.
Enter Imperiale.
Imperiale, who transferred to UWM from UW-La Crosse last year and had to sit out the entire first semester this season due to NCAA Division I transfer rules, calmly drained both free throws to secure the win, as Robinson's desperation 3-pointer rattled off the rim at the buzzer. Imperiale saw only three minutes of action Wednesday in only her third collegiate contest. McCain -- a senior who is a 61.4 percent shooter from the free throw line during her collegiate career -- finished with eight points.
Marquette had led by as many as 13 points and enjoyed a 30-23 cushion at halftime. Nine different players scored for MU and 19 assists were credited on the Golden Eagles' 23 makes from the field. Better ball distribution, however, couldn't help MU overcome a 37.1 percent shooting effort, as UWM shot 60.0 percent (15-of-25) in the second half and combined 9-of-18 (50.0 percent) from the perimeter.
Three players tallied double figures in scoring for the Golden Eagles led by 12 points from Jessica Pachko, who also had a team-high eight rebounds. Robinson and Paige Fiedorowicz chipped in 10 apiece, while Robinson handed out a season-high eight assists.
Marquette still owns a 23-19 all-time advantage over the Panthers. MU will attempt to get back on the winning track when the Golden Eagles host USF this Saturday in the BIG EAST lidlifter for both teams. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at the Al McGuire Center.
