The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team secured a 77-71 victory over Carroll University to open the 2024-25 season.The Warhawks pulled away in the second half, outscoring Carroll 44-36 in the second frame to clinch the win.

In the first half, Carroll led UWW by a narrow margin of 35-33. The Pios held the lead from their outside shooting, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc compared to UWW's 2 of 9. UWW kept pace with their defense, forcing 7 turnovers while only committing 3 themselves. 

In the second half, the Warhawks outscored the Pios 44-36. UWW dominated the paint in the second half, with a 62.1% field goal percentage and 30 points in the paint, as Carroll struggled from the three-point line, hitting only 3 of 15 attempts. 

Jameer Barker (Racine, Wis./St. Catherine's) led UWW with a standout performance, scoring 29 points and making 11 baskets, both team highs. He added seven of his ten free throw attempts, and contributed defensively with three steals. 

Carter Capstran (Franklin, Wis./) secured the double-double, with 21 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Luke Bara (Waukesha, Wis./Muskego) added 14 points and Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis./) recorded four steals in the game.

UW-Whitewater will stay on the road as the open the 2024-25 season. The Warhawks will head to Waverly, Iowa to take on Cornell in the first round of the Buzz Levick tournament hosted by Wartburg. The first round games will take place on November 15th, with the Warhawks taking on either Wartburg or St. Olaf depending on Friday's games.