Alec Molter's inside game and Caleb Zeegers' outside shooting propelled Carroll University to a 77-71 men's basketball victory over UW-Oshkosh on Saturday (Dec. 31) in Kolf Sports Center.

Molter muscled his way to 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Zeegers came off the bench and made four three-pointers. After totaling eight points in the Pioneers' first seven contests, Zeegers scored 14 points in 14 minutes of play. Carroll University (4-4) closed out the game with 11 free throws in the final 50 seconds.

For UW-Oshkosh (4-8), John Flanigan (Sr. • Oshkosh) totaled a career-high 32 points, along with 14 rebounds, five assists and four steals. Greg Schrimpf (Sr. • Manitowoc) tacked on 10 points, as Chad Mathwig (Fr. • New Berlin) supplied nine points and six rebounds.

Neither team led by more than five points during a first half that included five ties. Molter dominated the opening three minutes, scoring three baskets inside. Flanigan answered with three straight lay-ups to equal the score at 8.

UW-Oshkosh used Schrimpf's three-point basket and Martell Hutchinson's (Jr. • Milwaukee) lay-up to grab a 15-10 lead midway through the first half. Carroll University rallied to tie the score, but Flanigan finished another basket with the foul. The Titans went on to take a 26-24 advantage to intermission.

The squads were separated by less than five points for the first 35 minutes. UW-Oshkosh counted five three-point plays during the second period, including Flanigan's that earned the Titans a 33-31 lead with 14:47 remaining.

The Pioneers went in front for good at 40-39. Zeegers then made his statement with three long-range jumpers in a span of 80 seconds. The final connection made it a 51-47 score with 8:28 to play.

Committing several fouls, the Titans battled to come back. While Carroll University continued hitting its free throws, UW-Oshkosh got to 69-68 with 21 seconds left. Jake Bast then drained four foul shots to seal the outcome and clinch the Pioneer's first win over the Titans in seven meetings.

Carroll University prevailed thanks to a 40-29 edge in rebounds. The Pioneers shot 45.6 percent (26-57) from the field, 80 percent (20-25) from the free-throw line and 29.4 percent (5-17) behind the three-point arc. Carroll University had 14 turnovers.

UW-Oshkosh shot 40 percent (24-60) from the field, but just 16.7 (3-18) behind the three-point arc. The Titans improved their nation-leading free throw accuracy by making 20-of-22 attempts (90.9 percent). UW-Oshkosh turned the basketball over 12 times.

UW-Oshkosh returns to league play against UW-Superior on Wednesday (Jan. 4) in Kolf Sports Center.