Box Score

WHITEWATER - In a game marked by seven ties and six lead changes, overtime seemed only appropriate to settle the battle of two of the nation's top-ranked programs on Thursday evening, as the Pointer men's basketball team fell to the Warhawks of UW-Whitewater 67-60 in conference action at the Williams Center.

The fourth-ranked Pointers led only once in the game's opening half, holding a 10-8 edge at the 10:21 mark before UW-Whitewater used a 16-4 run to open up a 10 point lead with just 2:20 remaining in the opening frame. Two late baskets by the Pointers cut the halftime deficit to just five, 24-19.

In the second half, the Warhawks opened up a 12 point edge at the 15:10 mark, 35-24, thanks to an 11-4 run to open the second period. The Pointers answered back, posting a 17-0 run over the following 6:11 of the game to take a five point lead, 40-35, with just under nine minutes remaining in the game.

The Warhawks responded with a run of their own, 11-0 to retake the lead and push the advantage to six, 46-40. The Pointers kept the score close as the teams traded blow after blow.

With just :31 remaining in the game, Whitewater took a two point lead, off a DJ Dantzler free-throw but Louis Hurd (Portage) tied the game and forced overtime with just five seconds remaining, rebounding his own missed three-point attempt and forcing the second overtime game between these two teams in as many seasons.

Whitewater opened the extra period on a 7-0 run and led the Pointers get no closer than three down the stretch as they handed Stevens Point their first loss of the season, 67-60.

Dan Tillema (Randolph) led the Pointers with 15 points off the bench while Jerrel Harris (Whitefish Bay) chipped in 13, also off the bench. Hurd added 10 and a team-high seven rebounds in the loss.

Whitewater's Dustin Mitchell led all scorers with 19 and added a game-high 12 rebounds.

UW-Stevens Point return home to face Elmhurst College in non-conference action before finals week on Saturday, Dec. 12. Game time is set for 5 p.m. at Bennett Court in Quandt Fieldhouse.