The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team won the WIAC Regular Season Title outright with a 69-62 win over UW-River Falls on Saturday evening. It marked the 16th title in school history, first since 2015 and first outright since 2012. 

Before the game, the Warhawks recognized their 2026 seniors; Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis./Franklin), Jake Quast (Hinsdale, Ill./Central), Austin Ambrose (Batavia, Ill./Batavia), Richie Warren (Racine, Wis./Park), and Luke Bara (Muskego, Wis./Muskego).

UW-River Falls didn't make it easy for the Warhawks, starting out with the hot hand. The Falcons made their first 6 shots of the game, jumping out to a 12-4 lead at the under-16 media. 

The Warhawks picked up the defense, which led to a few of their own shots falling in, by the next media timeout, the Warhawks had cut the lead to just five at 18-13. 

The Warhawks then picked up the pace on the Falcons. Joey Berezowitz (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) got the momentum on UWW's side with an and-one layup. Berezowitz hit his next shot to go on a personal 5-0 run. The Warhawks carried the run out to 13-0, taking a 26-19 lead before the under-8. Berezowitz scored 5 points and recorded three steals during the run.

UW-River Falls got their footing back underneath them, answering back with a 10-0 run of their own, but Luke Bara (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) ended it with a three-pointer to retake the lead. Bara scored the last two baskets of the half, keeping the Warhawks ahead 37-32 at the break.

UW-Whitewater controlled the second half, minimizing any Falcons runs. UWRF got it within two, but the Warhawks didn't allow the lead to flip in the second half. 

The Warhawks went on a 10-2 run early to put the lead at double digits. It remained above double digits until a 7-0 run by the Falcons cut the lead to just five. 

UW-Whitewater was able to close off the game, matching UW-River Falls down the stretch. The Warhawks made all three of their field goal attempts in the final three minutes, pulling out to the 69-62 victory to claim the outright title.

Collin Madson (Mukwonago, Wis./Mukwonago) led the Warhawks with 20 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the floor. Luke Bara (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) added 17 points on his senior night, hitting 3 threes. Brock Marino (Lake Villa, Ill./Lakes Community) rounded out the double-digit scorers with a 10-point, 10-rebound double double. 

Isaac Verges (Franklin, Wis./Franklin) pulled down 8 rebounds, as the Warhawks outrebounded UWRF 35-30. The Warhawks shot 46.3% from the floor (25-for-54) while UWRF slightly better 47.1% (24-for-51). UWW had the advantage on the offensive glass, pulling down 13 offensive boards compared to the Falcons' six.

With the win, the Warhawks clinched the top-seed heading into the WIAC Tournament. UW-Whitewater will face the lowest remaining seed after the first round games. Tip-off for the semifinal game will be 7 PM on Thursday, February 26th.