The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team fell to the 9th-ranked University of Wisconsin-La Crosse by a score of 70-56 on Wednesday at Mitchell Hall in La Crosse, WI.

The Warhawks got an early lead with the help of Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis.) and Collin Madson (Mukwonago, Wis./) threes to start the game. However, the Eagles answered with a 10-0 run to gain control of the game. UWW went on some runs to try and answer back, but the Eagles stayed one possession ahead, leading 31-26 at half.

The Warhawks kept the game close due to their fight on the glass. UWW had 13 offensive rebounds in the first half. Verges ended the first half with 10 points and 6 rebounds, 3 offensive.

The second half of the game saw UWL build a steady lead. The Warhawks tried to keep pace with the top-ranked Eagles, but were unable to close the gap in the end, falling 70-56.

What kept the first half close for the Warhawks wasn't available the second half as the Eagles cut away the second chance points. The Eagles outrebounded the Warhawks 23-17 in the second half.

Richie Warren (Racine, Wis./Park) scored 16 in the contest, 14 of which came in the second half. Warren was an effective 8-for-9 from the field and pulled down seven rebounds.

Verges matched Warren with 16 points and led the team defensively with three steals.

Carter Capstran (Franklin, Wis./) led the team in rebounding with nine boards, while also scoring seven points.

The Warhawks head to UW-River Falls for the next game on the schedule. UWW will take on the Falcons on February 15th after the women's game.