UW-Oshkosh hit a three-pointer on three consecutive possessions to take the lead during its 70-62 triumph over Concordia University Wisconsin on Saturday (Dec. 29) in Wisconsin Dells.
The Titans were trailing, 45-38, with 9:34 remaining. Jade Royston (Jr. • Wisconsin Dells) then drained a shot from behind the arc. UW-Oshkosh (5-6) forced a turnover to set up Josh Hopfensperger's (So. • Neenah) triple. After making a steal, Cory Nickel (Jr. • Waupun) buried a three-ball to put the Titans on top 47-45.
Royston, who topped all players with 15 points and six assists, converted a lay-up for the 50-45 lead. UW-Oshkosh held at least a four-point margin the rest of the night.
The Falcons (5-4) used Steven Brodie's jumper to pull within 58-54, but Dylan Wurtz (Jr. • Kimberly) knocked down a three-pointer with 1:23 left to increase the lead. Andre Wallace (Fr. • Sun Prairie) iced the contest with three free throws in the closing minute.
Wallace tallied 10 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while Wurtz counted 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Titans shot a blistering 55 percent during the second half to finish at 41 percent (23-56) for the game. UW-Oshkosh connected on 32 percent (7-22) from long range and 85 percent at the foul line (17-20).
In the game's first six minutes, the Titans gained a 9-4 advantage on a mid-range bucket from Hopfensperger. Concordia responded with triples by Brian Jackson, Mark Pace and Casey Kegley to grab a 20-14 lead at the 5:44 mark.
Steve Zielinski scored six of the Falcons' last eight points before halftime, as they held a 29-24 cushion at the break.
Right away in the second half, Wurtz missed a jumper, got his own rebound and drove for a lay-up. Royston then tied the score at 34 with a lay-in. Concordia followed with a 10-4 run that featured six Keith Kahlfeldt points to go back in front.
Zielinski marked 13 points, as Pace notched nine points and six rebounds for the Falcons. Jackson dished out six assists. Concordia, which had its three-game win streak snapped, totaled 41 percent shooting (22-54) from the field, 25 percent (6-24) from deep and 71 percent on free throws (12-17).
The Titans won the rebounding category (35-32) for the third straight game.
UW-Oshkosh takes on Loras College (Iowa) on Sunday (Dec. 30) in Wisconsin Dells for its final nonconference event.
Written by Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information