Milwaukee Panthers Defeat Cleveland State Vikings 81-71
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Wolstein Center
Milwaukee Panthers 81, Cleveland State Vikings 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Panthers vs Cleveland State Vikings?
Milwaukee Panthers beat Cleveland State Vikings 81-71 at Wolstein Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Panthers vs Cleveland State Vikings?
Milwaukee Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
The Milwaukee Panthers secured a solid victory over the Cleveland State Vikings, finishing the game with a score of 81-71. This matchup took place at the Wolstein Center on December 21, 2025, and marked an important win for Milwaukee, which improved their away record to 1-5 this season. The Panthers, now with a record of 7-6, showcased a strong performance, particularly in the second half.
Milwaukee's recent form has been notable, as they entered this game with a record of 4-6 over their last ten contests, including a recent win against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. They averaged 79.5 points scored while allowing 81.8 points during this stretch. Their last five games showed a record of 3-2, with an impressive scoring average of 87.2 points per game, indicating a potent offensive capability.
In contrast, the Cleveland State Vikings have struggled, holding a record of 3-7 in their last ten games. They averaged 80.8 points scored but allowed 82.6 points, which reflects defensive vulnerabilities. Their last five games resulted in just one win, with an average of 74.2 points scored, further emphasizing their difficulties on both ends of the court.
The home team, Cleveland State, had a home record of 3-3, while Milwaukee had previously struggled on the road with a 0-5 away record before this game. The Vikings' last home game resulted in a decisive victory against the Oakland City Mighty Oaks, but they faced challenges against stronger opponents, as evidenced by their recent loss to the UAB Blazers.
Historically, the teams have split their previous two meetings this season, with Cleveland winning 77-60 at home on February 8, 2025, and Milwaukee claiming a 79-67 victory at home on December 6, 2024. This fixture was crucial for both teams as they aimed to establish dominance in their head-to-head record.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams indicated that they were fielding competitive lineups. The market had Milwaukee favored by 6.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 160.5. This reflects the expectations of a high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as the total points scored reached 152.
The conditions during the game were conducive to scoring, and viewers were treated to a dynamic second half. Key moments included several three-point shots that shifted momentum, particularly from Tre Beard and Chevalier Emery, who both contributed significantly to Milwaukee's scoring surge. The game featured a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Panthers' ability to respond to Cleveland's attempts to close the gap.
As the game progressed, Milwaukee maintained their lead, effectively managing the clock and capitalizing on free throws in the closing moments. Josh Dixon's contributions from the free-throw line were crucial in sealing the victory, as he made both attempts in the final minutes.
Overall, this matchup showcased the Milwaukee Panthers' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Cleveland State Vikings will need to reassess their defensive strategies moving forward. The final score of 81-71 not only reflects the outcome but also the contrasting trajectories of both teams as the season unfolds.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MILW -6.5 | 160.5 o -112 / u -108 | Milwaukee Panthers -285 · Cleveland State Vikings +230 |
Leaders
- PointsChevalier Emery22Cleveland State Vikings
- AssistsTre Beard3Cleveland State Vikings
- ReboundsTre Beard6Cleveland State Vikings
- PointsJosh Dixon28Milwaukee Panthers
- AssistsIsaiah Dorceus9Milwaukee Panthers
- ReboundsFaizon Fields12Milwaukee Panthers
Recent form
Cleveland State Vikings
Last 10: 3-7Streak L180.8 scored · 82.6 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L77-101at UAB BlazersDec 18
- W96-52vs Oakland City Mighty OaksDec 14
- L59-71vs Detroit Mercy TitansDec 6
- L80-95at Northern Kentucky NorseDec 4
- L59-86at Missouri TigersNov 28
- W109-56vs Waynesburg Yellow JacketsNov 26
- L71-91at Kent State Golden FlashesNov 22
- L75-90vs Valparaiso BeaconsNov 20
- W87-82vs Radford HighlandersNov 16
- L95-102vs Kent State Golden FlashesNov 15
Milwaukee Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W179.5 scored · 81.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- W88-87vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 19
- L68-70vs Indiana State SycamoresDec 14
- W74-72vs Robert Morris ColonialsDec 7
- L81-105at Akron ZipsNov 30
- W125-70vs Dominican (IL) DominicanNov 26
- L58-75at Wichita State ShockersNov 23
- L63-80at Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 15
- L70-101at Indiana HoosiersNov 13
- W92-72vs Little Rock TrojansNov 11
- L76-86at Wofford TerriersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Panthers | Cleveland State Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-71 | 23-55 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 11-32 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 39 |
| Free throws | 8-10 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 23 |
| Assists | 18 | 10 |
| Steals | 2 | 0 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 18 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 45 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-39Tre Beard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-40Tre Beard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-40Josh Dixon makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-43Tre Beard makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-43Josh Dixon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half42-45Chevalier Emery makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-45Josh Dixon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half48-45Josh Dixon makes 26-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half50-45Josh Dixon makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half50-46Chevalier Emery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-47Chevalier Emery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-47Danilo Jovanovich makes 1-foot dunk (Josh Dixon assists)
- 2nd Half54-47Josh Dixon makes layup (Amar Augillard assists)
- 2nd Half54-48Chevalier Emery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-50Chevalier Emery makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-50Danilo Jovanovich makes layup
- 2nd Half56-52Preist Ryan makes layup (Chevalier Emery assists)
- 2nd Half59-52Amar Augillard makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half59-53Chevalier Emery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-54Chevalier Emery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-54Danilo Jovanovich makes layup (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half61-56Holden Pierre-Louis makes 0-foot dunk (Preist Ryan assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Amar Augillard makes layup (Danilo Jovanovich assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Holden Pierre-Louis makes layup (Tre Beard assists)
- 2nd Half64-58Danilo Jovanovich makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-58Danilo Jovanovich makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-58Amar Augillard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Esyah Pippa-White assists)
- 2nd Half68-59Chevalier Emery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Danilo Jovanovich makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-61Foster Wonders makes layup
- 2nd Half70-62Foster Wonders makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-62Danilo Jovanovich makes layup
- 2nd Half72-65Tre Beard makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-65Chandler Jackson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Dorceus assists)
- 2nd Half75-68Chevalier Emery makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half77-68Danilo Jovanovich makes layup
- 2nd Half77-71Chevalier Emery makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half79-71Josh Dixon makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half80-71Josh Dixon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-71Josh Dixon makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland State Vikings, below favours Milwaukee Panthers.
Venue
- Wolstein CenterCleveland, OH
- Attendance1214
- OfficialsSteve McJunkins, Jermaine Rogers, Randy Richardson
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond