The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team kept themselves in the driver's seat of their regular season finale against UW-Eau Claire. With strong defense and hot shooting, the Warhawks came away with the 80-65 victory, controlling their post-season fate.
Looking back to the previous match-up between the Blugolds & Warhawks this season, the Blugolds were red-hot, defeating the Warhawks 99-69 in Kachel Gymnasium. But this time, it was all the Warhawks, as UWW got off to a hot start with UW-Eau Claire struggling.
The game was close off the jump, but the Warhawks kept themselves in the driver's seat, slowly jumping ahead with their three-point shooting. The Warhawks made 8-of-17 from deep in the first half, shooting over 45% from beyond the arc. The Blugolds were unable to to keep up with the Warhawks three-point shooting, only hitting one three-ball in the first half.
UWW took a double-digit lead towards the end of the period, fueled by a 12-2 run.
Luke Bara (Waukesha, Wis./Muskego) hit three treys with
Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis.) adding in the fourth for the Warhawks 12 points during the stretch.
At the end of the first half, UWW was up by 13 points at 43-29.
Coming out of the break, the Warhawks saw the lanes to the rim open up. UWW began the second half on an 8-0 run, quickly putting the lead above 20 points.
The Blugolds looked to get the lead back down, but every run was answered by the Warhawks. UWW cooled down slightly from deep, but UW-Eau Claire continued to struggle, hitting their first three of the half with 6-minutes left.
Both teams earned a majority of their points from the free throw line in the second frame. The Warhawks & Blugolds both had the benefit of the double bonus with 5-minutes remaining.
The Blugolds seniors started to put together a run late, cutting the lead to just 12 late. But a
Tristian Lynch (Green Bay, Wis./NEW Lutheran) three at the end of the game put the Warhawks up by 15, ending the game 80-65.
Collin Madson (Mukwonago, Wis./) led the Warhawks with 18 total points, making four threes. Bara added in four threes for 12 total points.
Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis.) also added 17 points, putting an efficient stat line of 7 points, 3 steals, & 2 assists in 28 minutes played.
Richie Warren (Racine, Wis./Park) rounded out scorers with 11 points, pulling down a team-high 8 rebounds.
The Warhawks secured their spot in the 2025 WIAC Tournament with the win. UWW will prepare for UW-Stevens Point, taking on the Pointers in the first-round match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM on Monday, February 22nd.
