STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The UW-Stevens Point men's basketball team (10-3, 2-0) opened the game on a 19-1 run and never trailed in a 68-54 victory over UW-Whitewater (5-8, 0-2) on Wednesday.
 
Seniors Ethan Bublitz (Jackson, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) and Blake Ehrke (Deerfield, Wis./Deerfield) scored 16 points apiece to lead UWSP in scoring. Junior Garrett Nelson (Beaver Dam, Wis./Beaver Dam) added 15 on 11-of-12 shooting from the free throw line.  Brandon Spray (Prairie Du Sac, Wis./Sauk Prairie) led the way on the boards with 10 rebounds.
 
UWSP made five-consecutive three-pointers and led 19-1 eight minutes into the game before the Warhawks made a field goal.  The Pointers went cold from the field, but made all eight free throws to maintain a sizable lead.  Ehrke and Zach Mootz (Merrill, Wis./Merrill) nailed threes down the stretch and UWSP led 37-25 at the half.
 
The Pointers began the second half on a 6-2 run.  Threes by Bublitz and Aaron Knez (Chippewa Falls, Wis./Chippewa Falls) kept the lead in double digits.  The Warhawks were able to cut the lead to nine twice, but UWSP went 9-for-10 from the line to hold off a UWW comeback.
 
The Pointers travel to No. 17 UW-La Crosse on Saturday (Jan. 11).  Tip-off against the Eagles is set for 5:00 p.m.