The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball team was picked before the season to finish in first place in the Horizon League, so needless to say the 2024-25 season is one full of expectations for the Panthers.
Here are five must-watch games from UWM’s regular-season schedule.
Nov. 27: UWM at Central Florida
The Knights are the highest-rated team by KenPom.com on UWM’s schedule at the start of the season. UCF is led by head coach Johnny Dawkins, a two-time All-American and national player of the year in 1986 at Duke. Milwaukee likely will be a significant underdog, but this is an early chance to make a statement against a high-quality opponent.
Dec. 11: UWM at UW-Green Bay
This, as well as when the Phoenix visits Milwaukee exactly one month later, could be the game to circle. The in-state rivalry was reinvigorated with even more fireworks than usual last year as the teams played three drama-filled games and UWM coach Bart Lundy accused the Phoenix of engaging in unsavory gamesmanship before his team went into Green Bay and won in the Horizon League quarterfinals.
Gone is Sundance Wicks, who was highly successful in turning Green Bay around in his one year there before leaving for Wyoming in the offseason, and in is an even more polarizing personality: Doug Gottlieb.
Dec. 15: UWM vs. Akron
This game offers not only potential to face a high-quality nonconference opponent, but it is taking it across the street from the Panthers’ usual home arena to Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee still can’t find its way onto Marquette’s schedule, but it will get a chance to play in the Golden Eagles’ house as part of the MKE Tip-Off.
Jan. 2: UWM at Oakland
Milwaukee spent its whole offseason with the final three minutes of the Horizon League final against Oakland on its mind. The Panthers saw a chance at winning the conference and going to the NCAA Tournament slip through their fingers late and say it drove their entire summer training as a team. This is their first crack at the Grizzlies, who are now without their top four scorers from their memorable March Madness run, including reigning conference player of the year Trey Townsend and sharpshooter and Pewaukee native Jack Gohlke.
Feb. 2: UWM vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
Milwaukee takes on the team with which it shared first place in the Horizon League preseason poll at home. The Panthers swept the series with the Mastodons last year, but both teams fell to Oakland in the late stages of the Horizon League tournament. The Mastodons host the Panthers on Jan. 8.
