Last week, the Milwaukee Panthers lost two games, including a last-second loss to Southern Mississippi, 66-65, on Saturday afternoon. Milwaukee also lost to UCF on Wednesday in a 76-84 track meet. This week, our old Horizon League nemesis Cleveland State opens up the home conference schedule.
The Good:
Although still short-handed without center Fazon Fields, Milwaukee outrebounded both teams during the Southern road trip. The Panthers only allowed 7 offensive rebounds against Big 12 member UCF, while outrebounding them by 10 boards. On Saturday, they gave the Golden Eagles the same treatment, with an 8 rebound advantage. The “share the rock” approach continues to shine also as 4 players scored in double figures, in each game last week.
The Bad:
Free points and 3 points. The Panthers shot a frightening 3-16 from behind the arc (18.8%) against Southern Mississippi. The lid remained closed when shooting from the charity stripe. Milwaukee shot 8-14 (57%) and 8-17 (47%) from the line last week. Both areas played a major role in many close conference games last season.
Analytics:
Turnover Rate (TOV%): Milwaukee’s TOV% was 23.3%, approximately double the preferred range, and it played a major part in the defeat. With 17 turnovers over an estimated 73 possessions, Milwaukee’s TOV% was 23.3%.
Second-Chance Conversion Rate: On Tuesday vs UCF, Milwaukee had an impressive second-chance conversion rate of 1.21 points per offensive rebound.
Players of the Week:
Themus Fulks (“Fulks Around and Find Out”), paced the Panthers with 17 points, on 8-11 shooting Saturday afternoon. Fulks also dished out 3 assists and grabbed 2 rebounds while logging 37 minutes. Against the Golden Knights, Fulks chipped in 13 points, 3 steals, and 6 assists. “FAFO” continues to add calm and leadership to the guard position this season.
Jamicheal Stillwell logged in another blue-collar, lunch pail, work week with a 14-point, 12-rebound effort on Tuesday against UCF. “The Foreman” returned Saturday and clocked in 10 points and 8 rebounds, in only 19 minutes of action.
Next Up:
Milwaukee starts Horizon League play next Thursday (12/05) against a favorite, old foe, Cleveland State University. The Vikings are 4-5 on the season with an average margin of defeat of 10.5 points, excluding the Michigan loss (101-53).
Off-Court: Battle of I-43
The #414 Faithful are working to organize a fan bus or caravan for the December 11th, Wednesday night game at Green Bay. Fans should request a vacation day from work, contact babysitters, and leave dinners ready in the crockpot. Whatever it takes to turn the first Battle of I-43, into a neutral site game, is strongly encouraged. Connect on the discussion boards and Discord, for more information.
