Kelm leads Milwaukee to victory

After suffering a disappointing loss to Northeastern yesterday, the Milwaukee Panthers had a tough challenge coming back in less than 24 hours to play Alabama State. While at times it was not easy, Kyle Kelm led the Panthers (10-4) to the 67-54 victory.

Kelm continues to have immense success in his senior season, as he scored 24 points, while securing 12 rebounds and recording two assists. Matt Tiby also had a big day as he had 14 points, 11 rebounds and four assist. Austin Arians added 17 points, as he scored all but two of his points on five three-point makes.

The Hornets jumped off to the early lead on a three-point make by Brandon Graham, but after that the Panthers went on a 16-1 run, and never had to look back the rest of the half. At the end of the first 20 minutes of play, Milwaukee led 42-30.

A 12-point lead would seem to be big enough, but after yesterday Milwaukee fans found out that no lead is to big. This time though, the Panthers were able to hold onto the lead.

In the first four minutes of the second half the Panthers were able to push their lead to 17 on a Kelm layup and free throw make. While Milwaukee was able to extend their lead in the opening minutes, they played bad enough to lose in the second half. The Hornets were able to cut their deficit to eight with 7:12 left, but they were unable to get any closer.

After shooting 58.3 percent (14-24) from the field in the first, the Panthers struggled in the second shooting only 26.7 percent (8-30), to finish at 40.7 percent in the game. Through the entire 40 minutes of play the Panthers also struggled from long range making only seven of their 21 three-point attempts.

For the first time in awhile Milwaukee was also not outrebounded as they grabbed 40 boards compared to the Hornets 33. They also cut down on their turnovers as they finished the game with 13.

It was not Milwaukee’s best performance, but a win is a win. With this victory the Panthers broke the program record for regular season non-conference wins. After being off for 10 days before this weekend’s tournament, Milwaukee will be off for another 11 days for the holidays. They will return to action on January 2nd as they open Horizon League play at home against Youngstown State.