Luckily, it was only an exhibition contest.

Had it been a real game, one that counted in the standings, Rob Jeter would have had some serious issues to address.

But the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's 74-72 victory over Cardinal Stritch at the U.S. Cellular Arena will go down instead as a learning experience; film room evidence of the Panthers' shortcomings that provide a starting point for improvement as the regular season approaches.

The Wolves -- an NAIA Division II program -- gave the Panthers all they can handle, shooting 45 percent (27 of 60) from the field while putting up 21 three-point attempts (completing nine).

Stritch led, 39-34 at halftime and never let the Panthers get more than three points ahead into the second half. The Wolves took a one-point lead on a Braddux free throw with 1:09 to play and cut a 73-70 UWM lead to one point on Brandon D'Amico's layup with 10 seconds left.

Stritch fouled on the inbounds but Deonte Roberts hit one of two free throws and Braddux missed a jumper as time expired.

Wolves coach Drew Diener said the team has a good gauge of where it's at but was disheartened at the opportunity that slipped away.

"It's a horrible feeling; a terrible feeling in my gut right now," Diener - a member of the well-known Dick and Tom Diener coaching tree and former star at Fond du Lac High School and St. Louis University -- said after the game. "Even though it's just an exhibition, every time you come out you expect to win."

Leading Stritch -- which finished 22-8 a year ago and atop the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference -- was senior guard Kody Braddux who shot 11 of 23 from the field -- and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc -- to finish with a game-high 28 points.

Forward Trey Triplett finished with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting.

Milwaukee was playing without two of its key players. Ricky Franklin sat out with an ankle injury and Tone Boyle, whose 13.2 points per game led the team last season, was out with a back issue.

James Eayrs picked up the slack, leading the team with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Jason Averkamp added 11 points and six rebounds.

"I have a good feeling about this because we won," Jeter said. "We have work to do but that's the point of playing these games."

The Panthers return to action Saturday night with another exhibition contest, this time against NCAA Division II UW-Parkside.