The Milwaukee women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge against Cleveland State, falling 89-81 despite hitting a season-high 13 three-pointers. Kacee Baumhower led the Panthers with 21 points, including five three-point shots. Anna Lutz and Jorey Buwalda contributed with 14 and 12 points respectively, each securing five rebounds.
Cleveland State’s Mickayla Perdue delivered an impressive performance, scoring 30 points. The Vikings took control in the third quarter with a decisive 10-2 run, turning a two-point deficit into an eight-point lead. Perdue’s three-pointer at the end of this run gave CSU a 54-46 advantage.
“Our fight was incredible,” said Milwaukee head coach Kyle Rechlicz. “It was not our best defensive performance of the season but they’re a very good offensive team. Cleveland State was a good challenge for us, but we did not quit.”
Milwaukee attempted to rally late in the game, reducing their deficit to ten points with some timely three-pointers. However, Cleveland State’s free throw accuracy proved crucial as they converted 13-of-14 attempts in the fourth quarter to secure their victory.
“Ultimately, we lose the game by eight,” Rechlicz added. “But they were plus-18 from the free throw line, which helped them get the win.”
Kamy Peppler facilitated Milwaukee’s offense with eight assists as part of their 21 team assists on 29 field goals.
In the first half, Milwaukee kept pace with Cleveland State by shooting nine three-pointers and maintaining a field goal percentage of 48.3%. The halftime score stood at an even 44-44, with Perdue leading her team with an efficient performance from both the field and free throw line.
Despite opening strong in the second half, Milwaukee couldn’t maintain momentum against another significant run by Cleveland State that expanded their lead further.
Baumhower and Peppler provided some late-game highlights for Milwaukee through effective teamwork and scoring efforts but could not close the gap entirely before time expired.
Other notable performances included Jordana Reisma’s contribution of 17 points and Destiny Leo’s addition of 16 for Cleveland State. Grace Ellis supported her team’s efforts with seven rebounds alongside five points and four assists.
Milwaukee will look to rebound when they host Robert Morris Colonials on Thursday evening at Klotsche Center.
