Milwaukee tops Youngstown State 78-65 at UWM Panther Arena as Elam leads balanced Panthers attack

Milwaukee closes regular-season home date with strong all-around performance

Milwaukee defeated Youngstown State 78-65 on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at UWM Panther Arena, leaning on a three-player scoring core and disruptive defense to separate from a visiting Penguins team that entered the night near .500 overall.

The Panthers were led by guard Stevie Elam, who finished with 19 points along with eight rebounds and four steals. Milwaukee also got 17 points and 11 rebounds from Aaron Franklin, who shot 6-of-7 from the field and converted 6-of-7 at the free-throw line. Chandler Jackson added 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, giving Milwaukee efficient scoring across the perimeter and interior while limiting empty possessions.

How the game tilted: efficiency, rebounding, and ball pressure

Milwaukee’s edge came from stacking multiple advantages rather than relying on a single late run. The Panthers produced high-percentage looks (Franklin and Jackson combined to shoot 12-of-15) and created extra opportunities with defensive activity, highlighted by Elam’s four steals. That ball pressure helped slow Youngstown State’s offensive rhythm and contributed to a second-half margin that Milwaukee maintained without needing to trade baskets.

Franklin’s double-double anchored Milwaukee’s work on the glass, supporting an approach built on finishing possessions and turning stops into points. With Elam also rebounding from the guard spot, the Panthers were able to secure key defensive boards and limit second-chance chances that can swing road games in league play.

Youngstown State’s response and key contributors

Youngstown State, which has leaned on balanced guard play throughout the season, was paced by Cris Carroll with 13 points. Forward Rich Rolf posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, supplying production in multiple categories and helping the Penguins stay within range as Milwaukee pushed the lead into the second half. Bryson Dawkins scored eight points.

Even with Rolf’s all-around line, Youngstown State struggled to consistently match Milwaukee’s shot efficiency and could not generate enough scoring bursts to erase the gap once the Panthers’ lead stabilized.

What it means in the Horizon League race

• Milwaukee improved to 12-19 overall and 8-12 in Horizon League play, adding a notable home win late in the conference schedule.

• Youngstown State fell to 15-15 overall and 8-11 in league play, tightening the middle of the standings as teams jockey for tournament positioning.

Milwaukee’s victory was built on efficient finishing from Franklin and Jackson, plus Elam’s defensive disruptions that produced extra possessions.

The teams’ recent meetings have been competitive, including a one-point Milwaukee win at Youngstown State on Jan. 24. This time, the Panthers delivered a more decisive result at home, combining scoring balance with defensive activity to control the final stretch.