Young state star impresses in his UWM debut as the Panthers fall to USC
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Young state star impresses in his UWM debut as the Panthers fall to USC
Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel·Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·
2 min read
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For a mid-major team looking tobounce back from a miserable 2025-26season, starting on the road against a ranked opponent with 7-footers in the middle was a tough ask.
That's what theMilwaukee Panthersdid, though, on opening night of college basketball season Nov. 2 and they suffered the sort of fate one might expect, a 95-63 loss toSouthern Californiaat the Galen Center in Los Angeles in the teams' first meeting.
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The Trojans, ranked 22ndin USA Today coaches poll, used a size advantage that included 7-foot freshmen Adonis and Darius Ratliff, sons of former NBA player Theo Ratliff, and pulled away with a 19-2 run in the first half.
"Anybody that wasn't here live, you don't understand is how much length and positional size they have," UWM coach Bart Lundy said in his postgame radio interview. "It's basically an NBA team. There's gonna be five guys on that team that are gonna play in the NBA, and a couple might be really good NBA players.
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) argues for a foul during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Panthers guard Stevie Elam (8) and guard Aaron Franklin (29) guard Detroit Mercy Titans guard TJ Nadeau (33) during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) and UW-Parkside Paxton Warden (22) battle for a loose ball in an exhibition game game Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) collides with South Dakota State guard Jaden Jackson (14) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) attempts to score during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) dunks against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) and Northern Kentucky forward Addison Archer (12) get tangled up fighting for a rebound in the second half Jan. 9 at the UWM Panther Arena.
(Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) tries to wrest the ball from South Dakota State center Alec Squires (35) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Panthers head coach Bart Lundy is seen during the second half of the game against the Detroit Mercy Titans on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) goes up for a shot against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Esyah Pippa-White (24) is fouled from behind by Dominican guard/forward Dominic Crapia (14) as Dominican forward/center Marshaun Russell (20) also defends in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) and Detroit Mercy Titans guard Tyler Spratt (1) try to gain possession of the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) dunks over Northern Kentucky guard/forward Ryan Tolliver (1) in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Detroit Mercy Titans forward London Maiden (20) attempts to steal the ball from Milwaukee Panthers forward Chandler Jackson (11) during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) drives to the basket during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) disrupts a shot by Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) scores on Wisconsin forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (32) during the first half of their game Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) goes to the basket against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) beats South Dakota State forward Caleb Delzell (5) to a rebound during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) keeps the ball away from South Dakota State guard Luke Haertle (2) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee forward Sekou Konneh (25) scores on Dominican guard Antony Fernandez (11) in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Austin Villarreal (23) keeps the ball inbounds against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) and Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) chase a ball on the floor in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) and Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) vie for a rebound during the first half on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Kohl Center.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky move down the court in transition in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
1/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
1/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
2/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) argues for a foul during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
3/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers guard Stevie Elam (8) and guard Aaron Franklin (29) guard Detroit Mercy Titans guard TJ Nadeau (33) during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
4/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) and UW-Parkside Paxton Warden (22) battle for a loose ball in an exhibition game game Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
5/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) collides with South Dakota State guard Jaden Jackson (14) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
6/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) attempts to score during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
7/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) dunks against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
8/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) and Northern Kentucky forward Addison Archer (12) get tangled up fighting for a rebound in the second half Jan. 9 at the UWM Panther Arena.
(Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
9/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) tries to wrest the ball from South Dakota State center Alec Squires (35) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
10/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers head coach Bart Lundy is seen during the second half of the game against the Detroit Mercy Titans on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
11/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) goes up for a shot against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
12/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Esyah Pippa-White (24) is fouled from behind by Dominican guard/forward Dominic Crapia (14) as Dominican forward/center Marshaun Russell (20) also defends in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
13/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) and Detroit Mercy Titans guard Tyler Spratt (1) try to gain possession of the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
14/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) dunks over Northern Kentucky guard/forward Ryan Tolliver (1) in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
15/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Detroit Mercy Titans forward London Maiden (20) attempts to steal the ball from Milwaukee Panthers forward Chandler Jackson (11) during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
16/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) drives to the basket during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
17/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) disrupts a shot by Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
18/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) scores on Wisconsin forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (32) during the first half of their game Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
19/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) goes to the basket against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
20/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) beats South Dakota State forward Caleb Delzell (5) to a rebound during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
21/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) keeps the ball away from South Dakota State guard Luke Haertle (2) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
22/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Sekou Konneh (25) scores on Dominican guard Antony Fernandez (11) in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
23/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Austin Villarreal (23) keeps the ball inbounds against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
24/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) and Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) chase a ball on the floor in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
25/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) and Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) vie for a rebound during the first half on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Kohl Center.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
26/26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky move down the court in transition in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
"The combination of athleticism, size, and skill is pretty amazing. … That's an unusual team. They're better than 21st in the country."
Adonis Ratliffled the Trojans with 25 points as well as six rebounds and went 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Sophomore guard Alijah Arenas, son of Gilbert Arenas, had 21 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
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Freshman guard Amare Herefordwas a bright spot for Milwaukee, which is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 12-20 season. The top scorer in Wisconsin high school basketball last season and Beloit Memorial's all-time leader led the Panthers with 14 points in 26 minutes.
Beloit Memorial standout Amare Hereford signed to play for coach Bart Lundy at UW-Milwaukee.
Marquette transfer guard Tre Norman added all 13 of his points in the second half for the Panthers and Isiah Dorceus, one of five returning Panthers, scored 10 in 15 points.
"Those three figured out they could get downhill and make plays for themselves and for others," said Lundy, who began his fifth season at UWM. "And that's what we've seen in practice.
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"It's just … we were in a huge deficit, and then the 3s. ... I really thought for a little bit that we were going to make a comeback run."
Jake Hansen, a Wauwatosa West graduate who played three games at Oklahoma last season, hit a pair of 3-pointers in the first half and scored eight points but was limited by foul trouble.
For UWM, USC marked the first of five nonconference opponents who are ranked or received votes in preseason polls. The Panthers stay in California for a Nov. 4 matchup at Santa Clara.
