UW-Stevens Point began the second half with a 22-6 run to eliminate UW-Oshkosh from the WIAC Women's Basketball Tournament, 59-50, on Friday (Feb. 22) in Kolf Sports Center.
The Pointers (22-5), ranked 21st by D3hoops.com, will visit UW-Whitewater in the title game on Sunday (Feb. 24) for a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Titans (20-6) hope to receive an at-large bid when the field is announced on Monday afternoon (Feb. 25).
For the first 18 minutes, UW-Oshkosh was in control. Ashley Winterfeldt cut backdoor for a lay-up that put the Titans ahead, 7-2. Katie Kitzke then drained a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down to take an 11-8 lead.
Sam Barber dropped in a triple and two free throws as the Pointers made a charge. Liz Althoff and Brooke Allen made consecutive three-pointers to gain a 24-23 advantage just before halftime.
The score was tied at 28 with 18:40 remaining, but UW-Stevens Point stepped up its defense. The Titans began the second period with 2-for-18 shooting. Meanwhile, Myranda Tyler made three shots in the paint to put the Pointers ahead, 35-29.
Sam Barber delivered the dagger with a turnaround jumper that made it 44-32. UW-Stevens Point's largest lead was a 48-32 cushion with 6:19 to go.
A three-point play from Megan Wenig highlighted the Titans' 9-0 run that tightened the contest. Ashley Neustifter cut the deficit to 48-41 with four minutes left, but UW-Oshkosh couldn't get any closer than six (51-45).
Althoff went 3-for-3 from downtown en route to a game-best 21 points. Tyler added 19 points and seven rebounds for the Pointers, who committed just six turnovers. Alyssa Olp dished out seven assists, while Allen notched five steals.
UW-Stevens Point finished with 37 percent shooting (20-54) from the field, 46 percent (6-13) from long range and 72 percent at the foul line (13-18).
Wenig counted 20 points and Kitzke booked 17 for the Titans. Katelyn Kuehl and Sarah Stecker were strong down low with 11 rebounds apiece.
UW-Oshkosh totaled 32 percent accuracy (19-59) from the field, including 6-for-22 success behind the arc (27 percent). The Titans sank 6-of-9 free throws (67 percent).
By Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information