Milwaukee City Wire

Horizon League play commenced with Youngstown State defeating the Milwaukee women's basketball team 66-50 at the Beeghly Center. The Penguins capitalized on 19 turnovers by Milwaukee, scoring 28 points off those errors. Youngstown State also outperformed from beyond the arc, making eight three-pointers compared to Milwaukee's three.

"I'm disappointed in how we came out and played tonight," said Kyle Rechlicz, reflecting on the game. "The turnovers that we committed were all things that we had talked about before the game … you can't throw the long pass the way they play defensively and they were picking off our advance passes."

Anna Lutz led Milwaukee with 15 points and seven rebounds. Kamy Peppler added 10 points, while Kacee Baumhower contributed nine points. Payton Rechlicz recorded five rebounds and a team-high three assists.

Milwaukee initially took a seven-point lead with three successful three-point shots, including two from Jada Donaldson and one from Baumhower. However, an eight-point run by Youngstown State put them ahead 18-17 after the first quarter.

The Panthers tied the game twice in the second quarter but trailed at halftime 33-28 after Youngstown State regained control. Despite narrowing the gap to four points early in the third quarter, Milwaukee could not close it further as Youngstown extended their lead to win decisively.

Milwaukee excelled in second-chance points with a score of 12-10 due to 11 offensive rebounds but narrowly lost overall rebounds at 33-31. They achieved a free throw accuracy of 76.5%, notably going 7-for-8 in the second quarter.

Jewel Watkins was pivotal for Youngstown State, scoring 22 points with six made three-pointers. Erica King and Sarah Baker each scored 16 points; Baker also led her team with six assists.

"It's disappointing that we didn't play our game," Rechlicz remarked post-game. "We have to bounce back between now and Saturday and find some confidence on the offensive side."

Milwaukee aims for recovery when facing Robert Morris Colonials this Saturday afternoon at UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pa., scheduled for a tip-off at 1:00 p.m. (CT).