WAUKESHA, WI — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team opened their 2026-27 season with a comeback win over Carroll University. The Warhawks erased a 16-point deficit to take the elad with 2-minutes left in the 78-74 victory.
Kelton McEwen (Bartlett, Ill./St. Francis) started the game drilling a three-pointer for the Warhawks first points of the season. However, the Pioneers took the lead after an early run to take control of the first half.
The Warhawks kept in the game from the free throw line, shooting 10-for-13 in the first half. The Pios were hot making seven threes in the first half. UW-Whitewater also only committed two turnovers, but were outrebounded 23-15 through the first half.
The Pioneers built up a 32-17 lead, but in the last five minutes, the Warhawks went on a 22-9 run, included a 10-0 run with a minute left.
Isaiah Robinson (Racine, Wis./Park) connected on a lay-up with time expiring to bring the Warhawks within two at the break.
After the break, the Warhawks kept on the heels of Carroll, with each Pioneer run being answered right back. With less than five minutes to go, the Warhawks shooting came on with
JR Lukenbill (Burlington, Wis./Burlington),
Kelton McEwen (Bartlett, Ill./St. Francis) and
Collin Madson (Mukwonago, Wis./Mukwonago) each made a 3-pointer in the final five minutes. McEwen's 3-pointer put UWW ahead 72-71 for good, then Madson's long ball put the dagger for a 77-73 score with 1:01 left.
UW-Whitewater didn't allow another basket from the Pioneers the rest of the way to take the 78-74 win.
Madson led all-scorers with 28 points, going 9-for-15 from the field and 9-for-12 at the free-throw line.
Tyshawn Teague-Johnson (Beloit, Wis./Turner) recorded a double-doubel with with 13 points and 13 rebounds while adding four blocks and two steals.
Isaiah Robinson (Racine, Wis./Park) recorded four steals and added six points. Lukenbill scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and collected three rebounds.
The Warhawks will take on Ripon College in their home opener at Kachel Gym on November 14th, tip-off is set for 5 PM following the Women's Champion Classic Games.
