The Richland Center boys basketball team opened Southwest Wisconsin Conference play with a 59-36 loss to Platteville. The Hillmen broke open a close game near the end of the first half on a 7-0 run and opened a 15 point lead, 27-15, by intermission.
Lucas Ludlum, who was the conference player of the year a season ago, led Platteville with 23 points including three 3 point baskets. Natham Mumm added 15 and he had 5 three pointers. The Hillmen were 18 for 30 from the free throw line.
Richland Center did not have a player score in double figures. Jayden Schoepp had 8 including the teams only 3 point basket, Wes Bosworth, Brady Dosch and Liam Fingerson each had 6, Garrison Weiss added 5, Cutler Palmer had 3, and Abe Bosworth added 2 points. Richland Center was 5 for 12 from the line.
Platteville won the JV game, 52-13 over the Hornets.
The Hillmen are now 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the Southwest Conference. They will play a non-conference game at Potosi on Tuesday night. Following the 59-36 loss, Richland Center is now 2-3 overall after dropping the conference opener. The Hornets will play at Mauston on Tuesday night.