MADISON, Wis. - The Edgewood College men's basketball team was looking for an early Christmas gift from Santa Claus on Saturday night, but sixth-ranked UW-Whitewater played the role of the Grinch, stopping the Eagles in their quest for an upset. The Warhawks shot 62.5 percent in the first half and cruised to a 75-48 victory over the Eagles at the Todd Wehr Edgedome.
Luke Knoble scored the first seven point of the game for UW-Whitewater (8-1), the defending NCAA Division III national champions. The Warhawks pushed their lead to 17-4 before the Eagles sliced into it. Senior Cashton Craig hit a three-point basket, and Jake Heuer and Trevor Neale answered another Knoble basket to bring Edgewood College within 19-11. Later Brett Meinecke hit a three-pointer for the Eagles, to foreshadow a big second half, but Edgewood College (2-9) still trailed at the break 40-21.
UW-Whitewater scored the first 10 points coming out of the locker room to gain firm control of the game. The highlight for the Eagles in the second half was the play of Meinecke. The junior from Pewuakee made five of his six shots in the second half, including a pair of three-point baskets to match his career-high with 16 points. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists. Rebounding was a struggle against the bigger Warhawks, as UW-Whitewater held a commanding 40-25 edge on the glass.
After Meinecke, Trevor Neale added eight points and a career-high six rebounds. Travis Schaaf came off the bench to lead the team and match his career-high with four assists. The Eagles' bench accounted for 38 points in the game.
After the Christmas holiday, Edgewood College will visit the Lone Star State and attempt to shake their four-game losing streak. The Eagles will play in the Mary Hardin-Baylor Cru Classic in Belton, Texas. Edgewood College will face Concordia University (Texas) on Friday, December 28, before playing the host Crusaders on December 29.