MADISON, Wis. – Top-seeded Nicolet (27-1) earned the Division 2 title with a 67-54 victory over Milwaukee Washington in the 2019 State Boys Basketball Tournament Saturday evening at the Kohl Center.

In the much-anticipated match-up, the Knights led the entire contest after jumping out to a six-point lead to start the game. They built their largest lead of the first half to 13 just before the halftime buzzer on a Jamari Sibley basket. The Knights held their double-digit lead through the first 18 minutes of the second half. The Purgolders cut their deficit to eight, but they could not get any closer the rest of the way.

Neither team lit it up shooting the ball. Nicolet converted at a 37 percent clip, including 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. The Purgolders made 33 percent of their field goals from the floor and just 1-of-14 three-point attempts.

Sibley led the Knights in scoring with 23 points and added nine rebounds, and Jalen Johnson recorded a big double-double with 20 points and 20 rebounds to go with four assists. 

The Purgolders were led by Deontay Long with a double-double of his own, netting 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Michael Foster also contributed double figures in scoring with 13 points, as did Anthony White with 10.

The Knights won their first State championship in their third tournament appearance, and Milwaukee  Washington (22-6) finishes runner-up for the second straight season in their 14th experience in the tourney.

Championship Game: Saturday, March 16
#1 Nicolet (27-1) 67, #2 Milw. Washington (22-6) 54 - stats