Box Score Not to be mistaken for it was a big, easy win, rather the UW-Whitewater women's basketball team defeated Millikin University 58-49 in the Big Easy Challenge in New Orleans, Saturday.  UW-W, 9-3, will face Millsaps College, 4-6, in the Big Easy Challenge Sunday.

Millikin started quickly, leading 11-3.  Whitewater came back to knot the game at 16-16 with 7:21 left in the half, and Sam Quandt (Hayward/Hayward)'s jumper gave the Warhawks their first lead at 18-16 at 6:52.  With the game tied 22-22 at 2:02, UW-W scored the final six points of the half to lead 28-22 at halftime. 

Both teams shot 32% from the floor in the half, but Millikin hung in making 3-4 three's while UW-W was just 1-7, but Whitewater made 7-11 free throws to 1-7 for the Big Blue.

Millikin burst out of the lockerroom with a 15-6 start to the second half to grab a 37-34 lead.  With the game tied 41-41, Whitewater settled the outcome with a 17-4 run that gave UW-W its largest lead of the game 58-45 with 3:38 on the clock.  The Big Blue hit one three point basket and a free throw for the only scoring in the last 3:38 of the contest.

The Warhawk defense forced 34 turnovers by the Big Blue, the second time this season UW-W's defense has recorded more than thirty turnovers in a game.  That translated to 26 points off turnovers.  Senior center Cortney Kumerow (Bartlett, IL/South Elgin) recorded a double double for the Warhawks, with ten points and a game high ten rebounds.  Junior guard Mary Merg (Greendale/Greendale) led all scorers with 12 points.

Junior guard Brittany Czaplicki led Millikin, 5-5 for the season, with ten points.

UW-Whitewater will host UW-Platteville Wednesday, January 9 at 7:00 in Kachel Gym of Williams Center.