LAKERVELD, Belgium (May 24, 2008) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team overcame a down third quarter, where a 12-point lead was turned into a one-point deficit, to hand DBC Houthalen a 73-68 loss Saturday evening at Sportpark Lakerveld and remain perfect on its trip to Europe.

The Panthers responded to its first deficit of the game with a 9-2 run to start the fourth quarter and held on for the win. They also defeated the first of two professional teams in Belgium's First Division they will face in Europe this weekend.

Junior Traci Edwards had a game-high 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead Milwaukee. Freshman Lindsay Laur added 14 points and six rebounds, while junior Turquoise McCain also chipped in 13 points.

Trailing for the first time in the game to start the final period, 53-52, the two teams traded baskets. UWM then scored the next seven points of the game on baskets by freshman Jineen Williams, Edwards and McCain, and an Edwards free throw, making it 61-55.

It would prove to be a lead the Panthers would not relinquish, as DBC Houthalen was able to get within three points, but no closer.

Emmelie Geraedts led Houthalen with 17 points and three steals. Freya Mertens tallied 12 points, all in the second half, and a team-best four assists.

Milwaukee appeared to be cruising through the first half. It held a 25-19 lead after one frame and opened it to 42-30 at halftime. In the third quarter, however, Houthalen finished on a 15-2 run. UWM went from up 50-38 to trailing 53-52.

The Panthers shot just 33.3 percent in the frame, but more importantly turned the ball over nine times in the period. Comparatively, Milwaukee had just 12 turnovers in the first half and just one during its comeback in the fourth quarter.

For the third-straight game UWM was dominant on the boards, holding a commanding 50-30 advantage. The Panthers have outrebounded their opponents by 70 through three games (166-96).

The team sits at 3-0 on its European trip and will close out its schedule Sunday against Sint Kateline Waver at 5 p.m. local time. Milwaukee then heads to Paris, France, Monday before returning to the States on Wednesday.