Purdue Fort Wayne asserted its dominance over Wisconsin, Milwaukee, cruising to a 100-82 victory at Memorial Coliseum. The Mastodons' Mikale Stevenson stole the show, pouring in 34 points and dishing out 6 assists to lead his team to a resounding win. Despite a valiant effort from Milwaukee's Amar Augillard, who scored 35 points, the Mastodons' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Panthers to handle.
The game got off to a blistering pace, with Purdue Fort Wayne taking a 48-40 lead into halftime. The Mastodons' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Stevenson and Corey Hadnot II combining for 27 points in the first half. Milwaukee, meanwhile, relied heavily on Augillard, who scored 20 points before the break. However, the Panthers' supporting cast struggled to find their rhythm, and the team's defense was unable to contain the Mastodons' high-powered offense.
In the second half, Purdue Fort Wayne continued to pull away, outscoring Milwaukee 52-42. Stevenson remained unstoppable, scoring 17 points after the break, while DeAndre Craig Jr. chipped in with 18 points and 8 rebounds. The Mastodons' bench also made significant contributions, outscoring the Panthers' reserves 23-15.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Purdue Fort Wayne winning by a slim 2.7-point margin, but the actual result was far more one-sided. The Mastodons' 18-point victory margin was a reflection of their superior depth and talent. While Augillard's 35-point performance was impressive, it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Mastodons.
This win will have real consequences for Purdue Fort Wayne's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. Although it may not be the most impressive win, it is still a valuable addition to the Mastodons' portfolio. For Milwaukee, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which will not significantly harm their resume but will not provide much of a boost either. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this performance and make a push for postseason contention.
The victory improves Purdue Fort Wayne's record to 12-8, while Milwaukee falls to 8-12. With the win, the Mastodons take a crucial step forward in their quest for a strong tournament resume. As they continue to navigate their schedule, they want to build on this dominant performance and make a case for themselves as a formidable opponent in the postseason.