We'll start off with UWM. Playing in the Horizon League Tournament on campus at the Klotsche Center, the Panthers started off on fire. UIC scored first, then Milwaukee went on a 34-4 run. Unreal. When James Haarsma starts off 3-3 from behind the arc, you know its your night. When you hold your opponent to 6 points in the first 12 minutes, you know its your night. When the student section starts chanting "6 points, 7 fouls", because your opponent has more fouls than point with 8 minutes to go in the first half, you know its your night.
There has always been something about seniors playing their last game at home having a career night, and that is what happened last night. Tony Meier playing for the last time at home, had 11 points, 7 rebounds. Kaylon Williams, playing for the last time at home, had 7 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. But to me, there is more. Playing a rival. The Panthers and Flames have had some battles over the years, but Ryan Allen is from Chicago. He gets that extra fire when playing anyone from Chicago, and it showed. Allen put up 17 points last night to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 steals. He got the Panthers going in the first half, and was also the one that got it going in the second half too. While only a junior, I can't over look James Haarsma's 18 points either.
Jimmy Lemke has a great recap on PantherU. I will have some video up later today.
It was great to see a packed house on campus, and the crowd was loud. Hello UWM administration - put a shovel into the ground and start building an on-campus arena!!!
Up next the Panthers head to Valpo to take on Butler Friday. Are you headed there? PantherU gives you the Valpo Travel Guide.
There are a number of Wisconsinites playing in the Horizon Tournament.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks returned to action last night and SEVEN players scored in double figures, led by Mike Dunleavy's 28. Video highlights and box scores are here.
Seven players in double figures is impressive, but the most impressive stat of the night? The Bucks had 30 assists on 41 made shots, led by Brandon Jennings with 10 and Beno Udrih with 9. Alex Boeder from BrewHoop breaks it down.
The Bucks return to action tonight in Boston.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers had their hands full in Madison with Minnesota last night. Only putting up 16 points in the first half, Bo Ryan had a little chat with the boys in the locker room and fortunately, someone stepped up in the second half. Who? Why Jordan Taylor, of course! Taylor came through with 22 points and connected on 11 of 12 free throws. The Big Buckaroo held the Gophers to 22 points in the second half and came away with the 52-45 victory. With Illinois, the Big 10 Tournament and the NCAAs around the corner, Wisconsin can't afford to have another night where they go 12-39 from the field (38%). Next up Illinois comes to the Kohl Center on Sunday.
Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles are in action against the Bearcats in Cincinnati for their senior night tonight, game time is 7:00 and will be on ESPN. We will have our game preview shortly, in the meantime, how about this Jae Crowder gem e-mailed to me from Hamostradamous...Preps
As always, WisHoops.net has all of the scores from last night.
Milwaukee Hamilton's Kevon Looney has scholarship offers rolling in from all over the country, and Mark Miller has the list (PPV).
In a cross-town rivalry, Tosa East held off Tosa West 44-42.
Chris Jones' 36 points helped Bradley Tech in a 96-77 opening round win over West Allis Hale.
Finally, our picture of the day. I couldn't find video, but here is evidence of why you do not EVER imitate Usain Bolt. In the mile finals at the Big XII Championships, Oklahoma State runner Thomas Farrell looked over his right shoulder and held out the #1 as he approached the finish line. That slowed him just enough to allow Iowa State's Rico Loy to take him on the inside. After the race Loy said Farrell celebrated too soon, and was unaware that Loy passed him for the victory.