#16 UW-Whitewater Ends First Half with Big Run, Downs Bearcats, 89-69

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater concluded the first half with a 23-4 run for a 19-point halftime lead, sending the Warhawks on their way to an 89-69 victory over Willamette University on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Trinity National Invitational at Trinity University.

UW-Whitewater, ranked #16 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 (NCAA Division III), improved to 9-1 on the season. Willamette fell to 2-8 overall.

Chris Davis topped the Warhawks with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Terrell Malley (Jr., G, Portland, OR/Roosevelt HS) and Taylor Mounts (Sr., Wing/Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) each scored 17 points for Willamette.

The game was very competitive during the first 12 minutes, with four ties and six lead changes. Willamette led several times, including 12-10 on a layup by Avery Manu (So., Wing, Pocatello, ID/Highland HS) and 23-22 following a 3-pointer by Mounts.

UWW took a 24-23 lead when Eric Bryson scored on a layup with 8:17 on the clock. WU tied the score on a free throw by Manu at the 7:59 mark.

Willamette managed just four points during the remainder of the half, while the Warhawks took the lead and pulled away. Thirteen consecutive points began the offensive surge, starting with four straight by Luke Knoble and including five from Davis.

UW-Whitewater held a 40-28 lead with 3:48 remaining and then ended the half with seven unanswered points. Davis scored 16 points in the first half, while Cody Odegaard added 12 for the Warhawks.

The Bearcats opened the second half with a 12-5 run, cutting the margin to 52-40 with 16:07 left. Willamette's run ended with seven consecutive points on a 3-pointer from Mounts, a layup by Sean Dart (Jr., Post, Bend, OR/Mountain View HS/Eastern Oregon Univ.) and a jumper by Malley.

Whitewater tallied the next seven points to regain a 19-point lead. Willamette kept battling and eventually pulled within 73-59 on a jumper by Kyle McNally (Fr., Post, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) with 7:52 remaining. UWW stopped the comeback with 6-1 run of its own, as the Warharks moved into position to record the win.

Davis earned his game-high 29 points on 11 of 21 shooting and a 4-for-4 effort at the free throw line. He hit 3 of 6 three-pointers. Odegaard provided the Warhawks with 14 points, while Knoble scored 13 and Bryson tacked on 11. Knoble was 6 of 7 from the field. Bryson sank 5 of 7 shots.

Lucas Burns of UWW finished with five points, seven boards and four assists. Alex Merg led all players with five assists.

In addition to tying Malley for Willamette's scoring lead with 17 points, Mounts led the Bearcats with seven rebounds. He was 3 of 6 on 3-pointers. Ryan Meehan (Sr., Wing, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS/MSU-Billings) produced 12 points and earned two assists. Trevor Bos (So., G, Lakewood, CA/St. John Bosco HS) achieved six points, three boards and three assists.

UW-Whitewater connected on 58.3% of its field goals (35 of 60), including 61.3% (19 of 31) in the first half. Willamette shot 35.9% for the game (23 of 64) after hitting just 33.3% (10 of 30) in the first half. Whitewater claimed a 43-36 rebounding lead.

Willamette will conclude the tournament by taking on host Trinity University on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Game time at Sams Gym is set for 7 p.m. (CST)/5 p.m. (PST).