Milwaukee City Wire

A dramatic last-second shot led to a narrow defeat for the Milwaukee women's basketball team against Detroit Mercy, with a final score of 54-52. The game took place on Saturday afternoon at the Klotsche Center.

Milwaukee managed to tie the game at 52 in the final minute after trailing for most of the match. However, a turnover allowed Detroit Mercy's Katie Burton to score a decisive layup with just 0.1 seconds remaining.

Anna Lutz was Milwaukee's top performer, contributing 13 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Kallie Peppler also had a strong showing with 12 points on efficient shooting.

Despite shooting only 36.6 percent overall, Milwaukee improved in the second half with a 45 percent field goal percentage, closing a seven-point halftime deficit. Lutz added ten points in this period while Kamy Peppler and Jada Donaldson chipped in with six and five points respectively.

"Our offense looked better in the third and fourth quarters once we spread out the offense and started executing better," said Kyle Rechlicz post-game. "Some of the mistakes we made on the defensive end ultimately cost us… even though we held them to 54 points."

Defensively, Milwaukee limited Detroit Mercy to 34.5 percent shooting from the floor but struggled with second-chance opportunities due to offensive rebounds by their opponents.

Detroit Mercy established an early lead and maintained it throughout much of the first half, propelled by a significant run that extended their advantage to as many as thirteen points.

In response, Milwaukee narrowed their deficit several times during the second half. Grace Lomen scored crucial points early in the fourth quarter while Lutz's back-to-back three-pointers tied the game late.

The game remained tight until its final moments when Detroit Mercy capitalized on Milwaukee's turnover for Burton's game-winning basket. Aaliyah McQueen facilitated this play with her steal and assist pass leading up to Burton’s layup.

For Detroit Mercy, Emaia O'Brien led scoring efforts with eighteen points including three successful three-pointers.

Milwaukee will begin a three-game road trip starting Thursday against Northern Kentucky at 5:00 p.m. (CT).