VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — The Milwaukee Panthers outlasted the Valparaiso Beacons 72-67 in overtime Sunday in a non-conference women’s basketball game at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

In a contest defined by defense and missed opportunities, Milwaukee secured its second win of the season while Valparaiso remained winless.

The Panthers, who improved to 2-3, were carried by a dominant performance from Jorey Buwalda. The 6-foot sophomore from Randolph, Wisconsin, recorded a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds, adding five assists and a block in 35 minutes.

Grace Lomen led all scorers with 23 points for Milwaukee, including several crucial free throws in the extra period.

Valparaiso, which fell to 0-4, was led by Allia von Schlegell’s 15 points and a double-double from Kamryn Winch, who had 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Milwaukee started strong, building a 14-10 lead after the first quarter. The Panthers’ early success was fueled by their work in the paint, where they would ultimately outscore the Beacons 38-24.

Valparaiso responded with its best stretch of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 21-15 to take a 31-29 lead into halftime. The Beacons’ run was keyed by improved outside shooting and forced turnovers.

The third quarter saw the Panthers regain control, edging Valparaiso 19-14 to carry a narrow 48-45 advantage into the final frame. The lead changed hands multiple times in a tense fourth quarter, with Valparaiso’s Mikayla Huffine sinking two free throws with three seconds remaining to tie the game at 60 and force overtime.

In the extra period, Milwaukee’s defense clamped down, holding the Beacons to just seven points. The Panthers sealed the victory at the free-throw line, with Lomen converting key attempts down the stretch.

Neither team shot the ball efficiently. Milwaukee finished 27 of 68 from the field, a 39.7 percent clip, while Valparaiso was 23 of 63 for 36.5 percent. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Milwaukee making just 2 of 15 three-point attempts and Valparaiso connecting on 6 of 25.

Milwaukee’s ball movement and defensive activity proved decisive. The Panthers dished out seven assists compared to just three for the Beacons and recorded seven steals, leading to 14 points off turnovers. Valparaiso committed 15 turnovers to Milwaukee’s 13.

The Panthers’ offensive rating of 84.3 points per 100 possessions narrowly edged the Beacons’ 83.2 in a game where every possession was critical.

Attendance was 276 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Milwaukee next hosts Marquette on Wednesday. Valparaiso travels to face South Dakota on Friday.