Milwaukee asserted its dominance over IU Indianapolis, riding a strong second-half performance to a 95-83 victory at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The Panthers' win was fueled by Amar Augillard's impressive 28-point outing, which included 7 rebounds and helped his team pull away from the Greyhounds.
The first half was closely contested, with IU Indianapolis taking a slim 43-41 lead into the break. However, Milwaukee came out firing in the second half, outscoring the Greyhounds 54-40 to secure the double-digit win. Josh Dixon and Aaron Franklin provided significant support to Augillard, scoring 20 and 19 points, respectively, with Franklin also grabbing 14 rebounds.
Kyler D'Augustino was the bright spot for IU Indianapolis, pouring in 24 points to lead his team. Maguire Mitchell added 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Micah Davis chipped in with 15 points. Despite these efforts, the Greyhounds were unable to keep pace with Milwaukee's high-powered offense, which shot efficiently throughout the game.
The Panthers' ability to balance their scoring attack was a key factor in their success. Augillard's 28 points set the tone, but Dixon and Franklin's contributions were equally important. The trio's collective effort allowed Milwaukee to overcome IU Indianapolis's strong start and take control of the game.
This contest was not expected to be a closely contested matchup, given the difference in net rankings between the two teams. Milwaukee, ranked 224th, was favored to defeat IU Indianapolis, which sits at 306th. The outcome was never truly in doubt, as the Panthers' superior talent and depth ultimately won out.
The win improves Milwaukee's record to 9-13, while IU Indianapolis falls to 6-16. In terms of tournament implications, this result is unlikely to have a significant impact on either team's chances. However, for Milwaukee, the victory does provide a boost to their resume, even if it comes against a Quadrant 4 opponent. The Panthers want to build on this performance as they continue their season, seeking to string together wins and improve their standing.
For IU Indianapolis, the loss is a Quad 3 defeat, which is not overly damaging but still a missed opportunity to pick up a win against a team ranked relatively close to them. As the season wears on, the Greyhounds must focus on securing victories against comparable opponents to bolster their own tournament hopes. For now, though, they will have to regroup and prepare for their next challenge. The outcome of this game may not have significant tournament implications, but it does highlight the gulf in class between the two teams, with Milwaukee's performance underscoring their superiority.