Kentrell Pullian led the Milwaukee men’s basketball team to a 79-67 victory over Cleveland State, scoring a season-high 24 points in the conference opener at UWM Panther Arena. The Panthers remain unbeaten at home this season with a perfect 5-0 record.
Milwaukee (6-4, 1-0 Horizon League) secured the win against Cleveland State (4-6, 0-1 Horizon League) by scoring the final ten points of the game. Pullian also contributed ten rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Jamichael Stillwell recorded his fifth double-double with 12 points and a season-best 15 rebounds.
“That’s a really good win against an excellent program,” head coach Bart Lundy stated. “They take on the persona of their coach, so they’re tough as nails, and you know, they made life difficult for us most of the night. I thought that 19 offensive rebounds and making our free throws saved us, it won the game for us.”
Themus Fulks and AJ McKee also scored in double figures with Fulks adding 16 points and five assists while McKee finished with 13 points. Pullian was nearly perfect from the free throw line, hitting 11-of-12 attempts.
Milwaukee led for much of the first half but held only a one-point advantage at halftime. Cleveland State opened strong in the second half to take a brief lead before Milwaukee responded with a decisive run to regain control.
Rebounding and free throws were crucial factors in Milwaukee’s victory. The team had a significant rebounding advantage with a margin of 41-24 and set season highs in both free throw makes and attempts, connecting on 28-of-37 shots from the line.
“We made the plays down the stretch,” Lundy commented. “These guys have been in the gym really trying to be a better free-throw shooting team and that showed up tonight … just a good, good team win.”
The Panthers’ offense shot well in the second half to finish at 44.2 percent overall for the game. Tevin Smith led Cleveland State with 17 points as four players reached double figures.
Milwaukee will return to action next Wednesday when they face Green Bay at 6 p.m.
NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, postgame press conference footage is unavailable.
