Milwaukee Panthers (21-10, 14-6 in conference) didn’t hit a lot of threes this past weekend, but the number three symbolizes a special meaning for this program. The Panthers clinched a No. 3 seed with the weekend sweep of Oakland and Detroit Mercy. By doing so, the wins this weekend signified the third year in a row that the Panthers have reached 20+ wins in a season.
But arguably more important, for the third year in a row, Milwaukee will host a conference tournament game. The sweep leaves Milwaukee with no more road games and possibly positioned to make a historic run. AJ McKee said it best Friday night, “It’s time to win a championship, so every game from here on out is a championship game.” Well, Milwaukee is three championships away from going dancing.
The weekend started with a gut-check performance against old nemesis, the Greg Kampe-led Oakland Grizzlies (14-17, 11-9 in conference). Thanks to clutch shooting and timely defensive stops, the Panthers were able to hold off the Grizzlies for a 71-66 win.
“It was probably a great game to watch with a lot of bodies on the floor and a lot of guys really fighting,” Lundy stated afterward. AJ McKee led three players in double figures with 15 points and 2 rebounds. Faizon Fields and Kentrell Pullian each chipped in 12 apiece. Oakland had a chance to tie it but missed a three-pointer with seconds left before committing their final foul. At times, the game was challenging to watch as the officiating made their impact felt throughout the game.
There were a staggering 47 fouls called, along with several replay reviews, which slowed the game pace down to a halt. In the post-game press conference, Lundy indicated the challenges the players fought through concerning some of the “tight calls.”, “I think we got a little frustrated. At one point, there were 4 dead ball fouls called in a two minute span”. Oakland had a chance to tie it but missed a three-pointer with seconds left before committing their final foul.
“It was probably a great game to watch with a lot of bodies on the floor and a lot of guys really fighting,” Lundy stated afterward.
On Sunday, the Panthers ended all doubt and speculation about achieving a top-four seed by roughing up Detroit Mercy 89-67. Milwaukee led by 12 at halftime, and the Titans (8-23, 4-16 in conference) were never able to get under double digits. Kentrell Pullian led 5 players in double figures with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jamichael Stillwell added 16 points and 10 boards. Senior guards Themus Fulks, AJ McKee, and Erik Pratt added 16, 15, and 11 points, respectively.
The Panthers finished the regular season tied with Cleveland State for second place and one game from winning the conference title, which went to Robert Morris (23-8, 15-5 in conference). Next up, Milwaukee will host the highest remaining seed from Tuesday’s first-round games. This figures to be the rubber match against Oakland, again unless Doug Gottlieb and Green Bay (4-27, 2-18 in conference) pull off a shocking first-round upset.
The Milwaukee athletic department originally announced that the Panthers would be playing their conference tournament game at UW Milwaukee Panther Arena. But after that, after Sunday’s game, they made the announcement that Thursday’s quarterfinal game will be held at the Klotsche Center on campus. It appears to have been a collective preference to play at “the K” next week.
In a statement released Saturday night, Athletic Director Amanda Braun confirmed this viewpoint. “Coach Lundy and I fully support this joint decision to move the game to the Klotsche Center,” Director of Athletics Amanda Braun said. “We do acknowledge that we previously communicated UWM Panther Arena was to be the venue, and we appreciate our passionate fans’ understanding and support during this critical postseason play.”
Although this game location is (and always will be) a sore subject for many Panther fans and alumni, the silver lining is that Milwaukee will be one home win away from a return trip to Indianapolis.
The Good
Milwaukee‘s Super Six seniors led the way in both games this weekend. With the number of games under their belt here and at other stops, this figures to be the key in the next game or so. Milwaukee’s seniors made some clutch plays and defensive stops when they needed to on Thursday night, and in next week’s conference tournament, it will probably come down to three or four possessions, which is comforting with this group.
The Charity Stripe – Free throws were an area in need of improvement for most of the season, but lately has been a reliable asset. Milwaukee shot 24/33 Thursday night and 15/23 on Saturday for a weekend total of 69%. Nothing to write home about. The Panthers literally started from the bottom, and now they’re here (at a respectable percentage).
The Bad
From Deep Deficiencies – The three-point shooting simply is not a strength for this 2025 Squad. Their overall percentage hasn’t improved throughout the season, so there’s no need to rely on making them in the tournament. This weekend, MKE shot 3-20 vs Oakland and 8/24 against Detroit Mercy. Milwaukee can still make it to the big dance, but after a 25% weekend from deep, rebounding these misses will make more of an impact than the few that they hit.
Players of the Week
Offense
AJ McKee & Kentrell Pullian – McKee and Pullian played a big hand in assuring Milwaukee gets the host a home playoff game with clutch baskets and gutsy performances throughout the weekend. The pair combined for 56 points, 7 steals, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds this weekend.
Defense
Jamichael Stillwell – J Mike isn’t just a rebounding machine, although he registered 13 against the Grizzles and 10 vs the Titans. But Jamichael added 8 steals this weekend to his impressive resume.
Bench
Erik Pratt – As Clark Kellogg always says, “That player has spurtability”! This is Pratt in a nutshell. EP scored 9 points off the bench on Thursday and another 15 on Saturday. He also added 4 rebounds and 5 assists this weekend. Milwaukee will desperately need Pratt’s Vinnie Johnson (old school reference) type impersonation to win the title.
What’s Important Now?
The top four teams in the Horizon League conference were separated by just two games. The 2025 Championship is clearly up for grabs. As many as 8 teams can win out and guarantee a trip to the “big dance”. The eventual champion will need to have Senior leadership, great rebounding, and an experienced coaching staff. Those are three checkmarks that fall in Milwaukee’s favor. But is there a fourth attribute that can push Milwaukee over the top? Can the Panthers staff, fans, alumni, and city residents impose themselves on a game and truly make a difference on who will hold the trophy on March 11th? Other programs in the Horizon are equipped with loud fan bases and will be counting on this type of support when their run starts next week.
Arguments in text groups and social media about fan giveaways, playoff locations, starting lineups, beer prices, parking, and the overall direction of the program are fights that should happen after the main event. It is March. I agree with what the Senior from Charlotte, North Carolina said earlier: “it’s time to win a championship”!
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