Box Score Fourth-ranked UW-Whitewater, led by Eric Bryson (Elkhorn/Elkhorn)'s career high 21 points, defeated UW-Platteville 77-58 in Platteville Wednesday night. 

In a half that included five ties, the largest margin that UW-W managed was six points and Platteville three.  Whitewater took a 14-8 lead on a Quardell Young (Kenosha/Bradford) layup at 10:52.  By 5:38, Brett Stangel's jumper moved the Pioneers in front, 21-18.  Whitewater held UW-P without a point the last 3:16 of the half, scoring the last eight points of the half, for a 33-27 lead at intermission.

Both teams shot well, Whitewater 56% and Platteville 52%, but the difference came on two three's, with UW-W making two and Platteville one, and UW-W making five free throws to two for the Pioneers.  UW-W senior center Chris Davis (Madison/East) led both teams with 11 first half points and four rebounds. 

Back-to-back baskets gave UW-W a 40-31 lead at 15:15, and a pair of Alex Merg (Greendale/Greendale) free throws put Whitewater up by double digits, 44-34, with 14:42 remaining.  The lead slowly increased, eventually reaching nineteen, 77-58 with 0:36 left on another Merg free throw.

UW-W was the number one defensive team in the WIAC, allowing 57.3 points, coming in.  Also the top field goal shooting team in the league, Wednesday's 59% will improve their .512 percentage.  Whitewater won the battle on the boards 30-19.  Bryson and Davis scored 21 apiece to lead all scorers, Bryson hitting 8-10 from the floor, including 2-2 on three's.  The duo also shared the game lead with six rebounds each, while Merg contributed a game high five assists.  B.J. Litz topped the Pioneers with 11 points.

Whitewater is 20-2 overall, 11-2 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  Platteville is 12-11, 7-7 in league play.

The WIAC race is down to three games, with three teams vying for the title and one of two first round byes in the league's postseason tournament.  UW-W will make the trek to the other end of the state Saturday, tipping off at UW-Superior at 3:00.  The Warhawks return home to host UW-Oshkosh, in the final home game of the regular season, Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 in Kachel Gym of Williams Center.

For additional information:  Pat Miller, UW-W coach