Milwaukee Panthers’ season ends with 84-63 loss at Detroit Mercy in Horizon League opener

Detroit Mercy pulls away early, advances as Milwaukee’s injury-hit roster falls in tournament play

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball season ended Wednesday, March 4, with an 84-63 loss at Detroit Mercy in the opening round of the 2026 Barbasol Horizon League Championships at Calihan Hall in Detroit. Milwaukee finished 12-20 overall, while Detroit Mercy improved to 16-14 and moved on in the conference tournament.

The game turned decisively in the first half after Milwaukee scored the first five points. Detroit Mercy responded with a 14-0 run that shifted control and set the tone for the rest of the night. The Titans led 38-24 at halftime and stretched the margin to 20 early in the second half, limiting Milwaukee’s ability to mount a sustained comeback.

Efficiency gap shows up in shooting and free throws

Detroit Mercy’s advantage was rooted in shot-making and conversion at the foul line. The Titans shot 53.6% (30 of 56) from the field and 36.8% (7 of 19) from three-point range, and went 17 of 21 (81.0%) at the free-throw line. Milwaukee shot 37.1% (23 of 62) overall, 22.7% (5 of 22) from three, and 12 of 20 (60.0%) on free throws.

• Halftime: Detroit Mercy 38, Milwaukee 24
• Final: Detroit Mercy 84, Milwaukee 63
• Rebounds: Detroit Mercy 38, Milwaukee 33
• Turnovers: Milwaukee 6, Detroit Mercy 9

Key performers

Milwaukee was led by Sekou Konneh with 13 points and nine rebounds. Josh Dixon scored 12, and Chandler Jackson added 12 points while going 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Detroit Mercy placed five players in double figures, led by TJ Nadeau with 17 points. Tyler Spratt scored 15.

Milwaukee entered the postseason without several projected frontcourt and backcourt contributors who missed the game due to injuries that had already ended their seasons.

What it means for both programs

For Milwaukee, the loss closed a season shaped by lineup disruption and reduced availability, factors that narrowed rotation options late in the year. For Detroit Mercy, the win continued a late-season surge and added another high-scoring performance against a conference opponent, with the Titans maintaining control after seizing momentum in the opening minutes.

The Horizon League tournament continues with remaining rounds scheduled in Indianapolis, where teams compete for the league’s automatic NCAA tournament berth.