DETROIT (Interstat) — The Milwaukee Panthers used a blistering first quarter and a dominant third to build an insurmountable lead and snap a two-game skid with a 74-61 victory over the Detroit Titans in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Thursday night at Calihan Hall.

The Panthers, who improved to 6-11 overall, seized control from the opening tip, racing to a 22-6 lead after the first quarter. Grace Lomen set the tone, hitting three 3-pointers in the period’s first three minutes as Milwaukee’s offense operated with precision against a stagnant Detroit defense. The Titans, falling to 4-11, missed 12 of their first 14 shots and committed five turnovers in the opening frame, digging a hole from which they would never fully emerge.

Detroit showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 17-16 behind the efforts of Aaliyah McQueen and Jasmine Edwards. The Titans trimmed the deficit to as few as 11 points, but the Panthers consistently answered with timely baskets to maintain a 38-23 halftime advantage.

The most decisive stretch of the game came immediately after halftime. Milwaukee erupted for a 26-point third quarter, its highest-scoring period of the night, effectively putting the contest out of reach. The Panthers’ offensive efficiency peaked as they shot 10 of 16 from the field in the quarter, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Jorey Buwalda and Lomen combined for 16 points in the period, extending the lead to 64-39 heading into the final quarter.

Detroit mounted a frantic, but ultimately futile, comeback attempt in the fourth, outscoring Milwaukee 22-10. The Titans employed full-court pressure, forcing eight Panther turnovers in the final period. McQueen scored 10 of her team-high 18 points in the quarter, leading a 16-4 run that cut the Milwaukee lead to 68-55 with just over five minutes remaining. However, the Panthers’ early work proved too much to overcome. A critical driving layup by Buwalda with 3:57 left stalled the Detroit momentum, and Milwaukee made enough free throws down the stretch to secure the double-digit conference road win.

The statistical disparity told the story of Milwaukee’s control. The Panthers shot 51.9% from the field and a scorching 57.1% from 3-point range, connecting on 12 of 21 attempts. Detroit, by contrast, managed just 36.7% shooting and was an icy 3 for 19 from deep. Milwaukee also won the possession battle, committing 18 turnovers to Detroit’s 13, but offsetting that with a superior offensive rating of 108.7 points per 100 possessions compared to Detroit’s 82.6.

Buwalda, a 6-foot sophomore from Randolph, Wisconsin, led all scorers with 21 points, adding four assists and two blocks. Lomen matched her with 21 points, fueled by five 3-pointers. Madison Fitzgibbon of Mequon, Wisconsin, contributed 10 points and three assists for the Panthers.

For Detroit, McQueen’s 18 points led the way. Edwards finished with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, while Philadelphia native Nisea Burrell dished out four assists.

The game, organized by the Horizon League, drew an attendance of 297. Milwaukee next travels to face Oakland on Saturday, while Detroit will host Green Bay the same day. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in Milwaukee on Jan. 22.