Purdue Fort Wayne secured a narrow victory over Milwaukee in a closely contested men’s basketball game on Wednesday night at Memorial Coliseum. The Mastodons used an 11-0 run, scoring exclusively from the free throw line, to break a 61-61 tie and ultimately win 78-73.
Milwaukee, with an 11-6 overall record and 4-2 in the Horizon League, managed to recover from a 13-point deficit in the second half against Purdue Fort Wayne, which now holds a 12-6 overall record and 5-2 in the league. The Panthers leveled the score at both 55-55 and again at 61-all with just over four minutes remaining. However, Purdue Fort Wayne’s precision from the free throw line ensured their victory and maintained their unbeaten home record this season.
“It was 11 straight free throws but we continued to fight,” stated Milwaukee head coach Bart Lundy postgame. “We had some chances there late, but at that point I think everyone on our bench and on our team was frustrated.”
Themus Fulks led Milwaukee’s offense with an impressive performance of 18 points alongside four rebounds. Kentrell Pullian achieved his second double-double of the season with a contribution of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Jamichael Stillwell also recorded a double-double with his own tally of 15 points and 11 boards.
Erik Pratt added ten points for Milwaukee, while Faizon Fields made his return after an injury layoff since November, contributing three points and seven rebounds in under fifteen minutes of play.
For Purdue Fort Wayne, Jalen Jackson scored a game-high of 25 points along with nine rebounds. Rasheed Bello supported with an additional contribution of 23 points.
In the second half, Milwaukee found themselves trailing by thirteen following Purdue Fort Wayne’s extended scoring run across both halves. However, they mounted a comeback effort that saw them close the gap multiple times before falling short due to their opponent’s accuracy from the charity stripe.
Reflecting on their performance as they prepare for upcoming games, Lundy remarked: “We talked in there; to win a league you have to win your home games and split your road games… With that in mind there is a lot more basketball to play.”
Milwaukee will next host Green Bay at UWM Panther Arena this Saturday afternoon as part of their ongoing schedule.
