PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Senior Chas Cross put together another strong performance, tallying 26 points and five blocks, but the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team dropped a 80-68 decision to 10th-ranked UW-Whitewater on Wednesday night on Bo Ryan Court. 

Cross was 11-of-11 from the field for the best shooting performance since Delano Brazil went 10-of-10 in 1991 against UW-Oshkosh. The Winnebago, Ill. native made 3-of-3 from the three-point arc, and rounded out his night by tying a career-best five blocks. No other Pioneer managed to score in double figures, with Boston Johnson getting the closest with nine. 

The Warhawks were led by Reggie Hearn with 25 points, followed by Eric Bryson with 14. 

The Pioneers shot an impressive 62.5 percent in the first half, taking a 35-32 lead into the lock room. UWW managed to keep it close in the first half despite shooting 42.9 percent by converting 12 points off seven Pioneer turnovers. 

The Warhawks took their first lead of the second half, 58-57, at the 8:25 mark, but the Pioneers answered quickly with a fast break layup by Jake Manning. Manning's layup gave UW-Platteville its final lead of the game as UWW used a 3:15, 14-0 run to take control, 72-59. In the final four minutes, the Pioneers couldn't get any closer than nine points. 

The Warhawks shot 69.2 percent in the second half, while the Pioneers posted a troublesome 38.5 percent shooting. 

The Pioneers will have the upcoming weekend off, and will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at UW-Oshkosh. Tip off against the Titans is set for 7 p.m.