Related Links:
Game Notes (PDF)
Live Stats
Live Audio (KOOL 106.5 FM WKCH)
Live Video
Bracket: Printable | Interactive
Washington-St. Louis Release/Information
Bluffton Women's Basketball Web Page


The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's basketball team competes in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament Friday against Bluffton (Ohio) at 5:30 p.m. at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.


Friday's game will be broadcast live on KOOL 106.5 FM WKCH in Whitewater, or online at 940wfaw.com. Live stats and live video are also available courtesy of Washington University.


For those planning to attend the contest, tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and are available for purchase one hour prior to tipoff at the ticket booth adjacent to the facility.


The Warhawks (19-7 overall) earned an at-large, or Pool C, bid to the national tournament, while the Beavers (25-2) claimed the automatic bid by winning the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament championship. UW-Whitewater is making its 15th NCAA appearance, while Bluffton is appearing in its first-ever national tournament.

Last Time Out

The Warhawks dropped their first-round game in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, falling 69-59 at home against UW-Eau Claire on Feb. 23. UW-Whitewater was held to 35.9 percent from the field, its sixth lowest shooting percentage in a game this season, and the Blugolds shot 51.2 percent from the floor and hit 24-of-33 at the free-throw line.

In The Rankings

The Warhawks enter the week receiving votes in both the D3hoops.com Women's Top 25 poll and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association USA TODAY Sports NCAA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll. The team was fifth in the latest NCAA Central Region rankings. UW-Whitewater posted its best start to a season since 2007-08 with 12 straight wins to open up the 2015-16 campaign. The team wrapped up the regular season at 19-6 overall and 8-6 in WIAC play to finish fourth in the league standings. Bluffton is ranked 17th by the WBCA and 21st by D3hoops.com.

Friday's Opponent

Bluffton, which began the season with 18 straight wins, defeated Rose-Hulman (Ind.) by a 52-46 score in the HCAC Tournament championship game last Saturday. The Beavers shot just 35.7 percent from the floor, including 23.5 percent in the second half, but converted 21-of-27 (77.8 percent) at the free-throw line. The Beavers led 20-4 after the first quarter and 35-15 at halftime and hung on late, hitting 3-of-4 at the free-throw line in the final 19 seconds after the Engineers drew to within one possession. 

Series

Friday's meeting is the first between the two programs. UW-Whitewater and Bluffton have one common opponent during the 2015-16 season. The Warhawks bested Manchester (Ind.) by a 90-42 score on Nov. 21, while the Beavers swept the season series against Manchester. UW-Whitewater is 2-1 all time against teams currently in the HCAC, including a 77-60 victory in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament over Manchester en route to the team's first national semifinal berth.

Up Next

The winner of Friday's contest advances to Saturday's second round against the winner of Friday's other first round game featuring Greenville (Ill.) and host Washington-St. Louis. Tipoff of Saturday's affair is scheduled for 7 p.m.


To view complete game notes for Friday's game, click here.