 "Photo: Kevin McKenney, Jr.")
TV viewers tuned in to NBC on Saturday may have caught a glimpse of Joe Chambers' experience at last summer's Paralympic Games in Beijing, but the Warhawks' star senior spent the afternoon shredding the Edinboro University (Pa.) defense.
Chambers, head coach Jeremy Lade and ESPY-nominated former 'Hawk Matt Scott were part of a nationally televised documentary on the Summer Games, but Chambers provided the highlights on the court.
Behind his two double-doubles, the Warhawks swept the aggressive Fighting Scots on Friday and Saturday.
The 'Hawks won the first game 60-37. Chambers led the team with a season-high 31 points on 15-of-26 shooting and grabbed 16 rebounds. Junior Nate Hinze also chipped in with 18 points. The 'Hawks held the Fighting Scots to 29 percent shooting, while UW-Whitewater shot 45 percent.
Chambers said he was happy to play well in front of the home crowd.
"It's always great to score a lot of points," Chambers said. "It's better to win and protect home court early into the season."
Fighting Scots junior Trevon Jenifer was the only player in double figures with 18 points.
On Saturday, UW-Whitewater withstood a physical battle and notched a 79-58 win.
The 'Hawks had four players in double figures. Chambers led all scorers with 28 points and snatched 12 rebounds. Sophomore Chris Okon contributed with 18 points on 7-of-12 from the field and gave nine assists. Okon also made 4-of-7 from the 3-point line. Hinze added 11 points and freshman Brian Wafford scored 10.
The 'Hawks out-shot the Fighting Scots, 55 to 45 percent, and held a 39-22 rebounding advantage.
The Fighting Scots had three players in double figures. Jenifer tallied 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting, nine boards, seven assists and three steals in 39 minutes. Junior Andrew Grossman scored 14 points and sophomore Andy Garbarino led the team with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
Head coach Jeremy Lade was impressed with his defense but noticed flaws in both games.
"Our defense improved in the second game, and we made some solid adjustments on offense," Lade said. "We moved the ball well in the halfcourt, but we turned the ball over too much."
The 'Hawks, who improved to 9-0, are off until Jan. 23, when they face the Fighting Scots again. The next matchup features a change of venue, as UW-Whitewater will make the trip to Pennsylvania.
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