Kentrell Pullian scores 24 points as Milwaukee triumphs over Cleveland State

In an exciting Horizon League matchup held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Panthers faced off against the Cleveland State Vikings. The Panthers secured a solid victory with a final score of 79-67. Kentrell Pullian led the Panthers with an impressive scoring performance, netting 24 points and also contributing 10 rebounds to his team's effort. This win came on a Thursday night as part of the early conference play, marking an important stride for Milwaukee. The Panthers showcased their strengths, especially in fast breaks, setting them up as a formidable competitor in the league. Conversely, Cleveland State struggled to keep pace, with the leading scorer Tevin Smith putting up 17 points in a losing effort. Milwaukee's win propelled them to a record of 6-4, now standing at 1-0 in the Horizon League while Cleveland State fell to 4-6 and 0-1 in conference play. Following this matchup, the Vikings faced another challenge just days later in a game against the Green Bay Phoenix. Meanwhile, Milwaukee prepared to visit Green Bay after their recent success. Green Bay struggled in their game prior, facing Cleveland State and unable to secure a victory. The matchup indicated the competitive environment of the Horizon League, with each team's performance crucial in their respective standings. Milwaukee's offensive output was significantly bolstered by its ability to score on fast breaks, averaging 18.0 points per game in that category, compared to Green Bay's average of just 9.8 made three-pointers per game. This series of games highlighted the early dynamics of the conference season, showcasing how early wins can impact team morale and future performance. Fast break points remain a critical component of Milwaukee's strategy, while Green Bay's need to improve defensively against three-point shooting becomes clear, as they have allowed an average of 9.5 per game. As for the players, the standout performances of Kentrell Pullian and Je'Shawn Stevenson, who scored 20 points in the subsequent game against Green Bay, indicate individual talents emerging within the conference. These games set the stage for an engaging season ahead, where every matchup could play a pivotal role in determining playoff positions. The loss to Cleveland State represents a sobering moment for Green Bay, who now faces challenges to turn their season around. This culminates in the anticipation of their home game against Milwaukee, which could shape the trajectory of their season. The competitive nature of the Horizon League means both teams will need to strategically adapt and perform to secure their desired outcomes as they navigate through the rest of the league calendar.