MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — In a Horizon League rematch just two weeks in the making, the Milwaukee Panthers used a dominant first-quarter performance and a standout game from Jorey Buwalda to fend off a persistent Detroit Titans squad 76-68 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

A crowd of 308 saw the Panthers improve to 7-14 overall, completing a regular-season sweep of the Titans, who fell to 4-15. Milwaukee had previously defeated Detroit 74-61 on Jan. 8.

The game was decisively shaped in the opening period. Milwaukee erupted for 24 points, fueled by efficient shooting and Detroit’s early miscues. The Panthers connected on 10 of 20 three-point attempts for the game, with several key makes coming early to establish a lead they would never relinquish. Detroit, meanwhile, started cold and committed eight first-half turnovers, struggling to find an offensive rhythm against Milwaukee’s defense.

Despite the early deficit, the Titans showcased resilience, particularly in the second quarter where they outscored Milwaukee 22-17. A driving force was guard Makayla Jackson, who finished with a team-high 21 points. Her backcourt mate, Maya Anderson, added 14 points, and their combined efforts kept Detroit within striking distance throughout the night. The Titans clawed back to within single digits multiple times in the second half, but could never fully close the gap.

Milwaukee’s offense consistently found answers, primarily through Buwalda. The 6-foot forward from Randolph, Wisconsin, delivered a game-high 21 points in just 25 minutes, adding two assists and two blocks. Her interior scoring and timely baskets stifled Detroit’s comeback attempts. She was supported by Madison Fitzgibbon, who scored 15 points, and Kendall Barnes, who chipped in 12 points and three assists.

The statistical sheet underscored Milwaukee’s control. The Panthers shot a sharp 52% from the field (26 of 50) compared to Detroit’s 35.5% (22 of 62). Milwaukee also won the possession battle, scoring 76 points on just 67 possessions for an offensive rating of 113.3, while Detroit managed 68 points on 69 possessions for a rating of 98.7. The Titans did force 15 Milwaukee turnovers and collected 12 offensive rebounds, effort categories that kept the game competitive.

The most critical phase of the game occurred late in the fourth quarter with Detroit mounting its final push. After a Maya Anderson steal and layup cut Milwaukee’s lead to 71-68 with 42 seconds remaining, the Titans were forced to foul. Milwaukee’s Jada Williams, inserted into the game for defensive purposes, was fouled with 5 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to five and effectively seal the victory. Those clutch free throws capped a period where Milwaukee made key plays in the final minutes to deny Detroit’s last-gasp rally.

Both teams return to Horizon League action on Saturday. Detroit travels to face Green Bay, while Milwaukee hosts Oakland.