Wis.-Milwaukee 66, Green Bay 56

2/16/2008 10:24 PM

MILWAUKEE (AP) -Wisconsin-Milwaukee coach Rob Jeter thought his team's victory over Wisconsin-Green Bay summed up his team's entire season - the Panthers faced adversity and they overcame it.

``These young men, they've battled through so much,'' Jeter said after Milwaukee defeated its in-state rival 66-56 Saturday night. ``Tonight again, they decided to do what they've been doing all year, which is battling and marching forward.''

After dropping six straight games early in the season, Milwaukee lost four players - including leading scorer Torre Johnson - for various reasons. But with just 10 players left, the club has regrouped to win six in a row and salvage its season.

In the second half Saturday, Milwaukee faced a challenge yet again after the Phoenix scored the first 13 points to take a 45-33 lead. But Deonte Roberts scored 13 of his game-high 17 points the rest of the way and Marcus Skinner dominated the boards to help the Panthers (13-11, 8-6) win and snap a three-game losing streak.

``Certainly a disappointing game for our end,'' said Green Bay coach Tod Kowalczyk, whose club lost its third straight game and fourth in its last five outings. ``I thought one of the keys for Milwaukee was the rebounding edge Skinner gave them. They got more shots.''

Milwaukee had 57 field-goal attempts compared to Green Bay's 46 thanks to Skinner, who dived, hustled and leaped his way to a career-high 17 rebounds.

``All you have to do is have the determination to get them,'' said Skinner, who topped his previous record of 12 set Jan. 24 against Youngstown State.

Skinner also scored 9 points, while Deion James added 16 points and Ricky Franklin 10.

The Phoenix (13-12, 7-8) were led by Rahmon Fletcher's 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Ryan Tillema added 11.

Tillema scored with 14:19 remaining to cap a 13-0 run that opened the second half and turned a one-point halftime deficit into a 45-33 Phoenix lead.

But Tillema said Milwaukee's defensive pressure and board dominance proved decisive after that.

``They put on their best and they kind of got to us,'' he said.

Tillema was impressed after battling Skinner inside.

``He really goes after those rebounds. He's a really strong kid,'' Tillema said.

The slumbering Panthers woke up after Tillema's basket gave the Phoenix what looked like an insurmountable lead. They roared back with a 22-3 run that included 11 points by Roberts.

Milwaukee went ahead 55-48 with 4:04 remaining on a basket by Kaylan Anderson to complete the run.

The Panthers led 33-32 at halftime.

James put Milwaukee ahead 29-26 in the first half with his third 3-pointer of game. Milwaukee made six 3-pointers in the first half.

The Panthers led 19-9 after Marcus Skinner scored midway through the first half . But the Phoenix scored 12 straight points and went ahead 21-19 on a basket by Fletcher with 8:47 left.

Phoenix reserve Troy Cotton had 8 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, in the run.

Milwaukee also beat Green Bay 65-61 on Jan. 19.