RIVER FALLS, Wis. – UW-River Falls took the lead heading into halftime but was unable to slow a second-half surge, falling 67-59 to the Warhawks on Saturday evening at Page Arena in a tightly contested WIAC matchup.
Both teams entered the night still searching for their first conference win. With the Falcons shooting 40 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, they took the slim 32-31 advantage into the break, controlling multiple stretches of play on both ends.
Whitewater found its rhythm after halftime, shooting 50 percent in the second half and using a balanced offensive attack to swing momentum in their favor. The Warhawks outscored UW-River Falls 36-27 over the final 20 minutes to pull away late in the game.
Jack Leifker led the Falcons with 11 points and eight rebounds, while
Drew Tengblad provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.
Micah Thompson added nine points and six rebounds as UW-River Falls finished with a 38-31 rebounding edge.
The Falcons stayed within striking distance down the stretch, trimming the deficit to one point inside the final three minutes, but Whitewater answered with timely baskets and free throws to close out the game.
UW-River Falls continues WIAC play next week, taking on the (No. 17) UW-Eau Claire Blugolds back at Don Page Arena Wednesday evening.
