Four Titans scored in double figures as UW-Oshkosh counted a 58-45 win at UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday (Jan. 22).
UW-Oshkosh (16-1/7-1 WIAC), ranked 15th by D3hoops.com, now owns its best record since a 20-0 mark in 1999.
Morgan Kokta led a second-half comeback, scoring all of her career-high 11 points in the final 12 minutes. Taylor Schmidt also posted 11 points, while Sarah Stecker booked 10 points and seven rebounds and Ashley Neustifter contributed 10 points, five assists and three steals.
Both teams shared the ball, with the first 10 baskets coming from 10 different players. After Kristin Sahr nailed a three-pointer, Teenie Lichtfuss hit a jumper to give the Blugolds a 14-8 advantage.
UW-Eau Claire (3-14/1-7 WIAC) increased its margin to 22-12 with 2:55 left in the first half. The Titans cut into that deficit with a trio of three-point plays. First, Neustifter buried one from downtown. Marissa Selner followed with a lay-up and free throw before Schmidt swished a triple just before the break to make it 26-21.
Facing a five-point hole with 16:09 left, UW-Oshkosh responded with a 17-3 run. Neustifter connected on a three-ball to tie the score at 30. Kokta then tallied seven points on a three-pointer, mid-range jumper and two free throws to go ahead, 42-33.
The Titans held at least a seven-point cushion for the rest of the night. Sarah Stecker scored six points in a three-minute span to earn a 54-39 lead with 2:57 remaining.
UW-Oshkosh heated up with 54 percent shooting in the second half to finish at 41 percent overall (22-54). The Titans committed just five fouls while making 4-of-16 three-pointers (25 percent) and 10-of-13 free throws (77 percent).
The Blugolds sank just 2-of-12 beyond the arc (17 percent) on their way to 40 percent accuracy from the field (19-48). UW-Eau Claire earned 5-of-6 success at the foul line (83 percent).
Courtney Lewis topped the Blugolds with 10 points and four assists, to go with a game-high eight rebounds and seven blocks by Ellen Blacklock.
UW-Oshkosh returns to Kolf Sports Center to face UW-La Crosse on Wednesday (Jan. 29).
By Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information