Yellowjackets 71, Oshkosh 64

On Saturday the Yellowjackets dropped a tough non-conference game to a then 1-8 St. Scholastica team, falling victim to a Saints' attack that was spurred to victory by an avalanche of three-pointers.  On Wednesday at UW-Oshkosh it looked like it was going to be more of the same, as the Titans drained their first two three-point shots and opened up a quick 8-0 lead.  But the Yellowjackets bounced back this time and rode a strong field goal percentage and big second half to a 71-64 win at the Kolf Sports Center.

The Yellowjackets, who moved into sole possession of fifth place in the WIAC, have now won four of the last five games against Oshkosh, who remains in last place in the conference.

Trailing 8-0, Bronson Byrne (Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska) hit a layup to snap the string and get the Yellowjackets on the board.  It didn't do much to slow the Titans down, however, as they continued to score and eventually built a 14-4 lead when John Flanigan, who led all scorers with 22 points, made a layup with 13:25 to play in the first half.  From there the teams went back-and-forth, but the Yellowjackets began to close the gap.  Brendan Bauer (Eleva, Wis./Gilmanton) hit a jumper to pull the Yellowjackets to within two at 27-25, but another three-pointer restored the Titan lead to five.  Adam Hjelter (Hutchinson, Minn./Hutchinson) countered with a three-pointer of his own with 29 seconds to play in the half and the Yellowjackets went to the locker room down two at 30-28.

Bauer led the Yellowjackets in the first half with ten points, while Hjelter had eight, including going 2-2 from outside the arc.

After trailing for the entire game, the Yellowjackets got their first taste of playing with the lead when Trent Davis (Apple Valley, Minn./St. Bernard's) scored his first points of the game, hitting a three with 1:21 gone in the second half to make it 33-32.  The teams again traded baskets and were deadlocked at 40-40 following a layup by Ben Aalfs (Hutchinson, Minn./Hutchinson).  Another three by Hjelter moments later gave the Yellowjackets the lead for good.  The balanced offense continued to build the lead, which peaked at nine points following a Walter Charlton (Nassau, Bahamas/Teleos Christian) dunk with 16 seconds to play in regulation.  Flanigan's final two points of the day provided the final margin and a 71-64 win for the Yellowjackets.

The Yellowjackets shot 52.7% for the game, including a blistering 60.7% in the second half.  Hjelter led the Yellowjackets with 16 points, while Byrne added 14.  Bauer and Aalfs poured in 12 apiece.  Bauer and Aalfs also tied for the team lead with eight rebounds apiece.  Aalfs led the Yellowjackets with six assists, while fellow senior Dustin Ritchie (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) had team-highs in blocks (2) and steals (3).

The Yellowjackets (9-5, 3-2 WIAC) return home where they will host UW-Platteville on Saturday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m.  The game can be viewed live online at www.ifan.tv.  The game will also be heard live locally on 91.3 FM KUWS beginning ten minutes before the opening tip-off.  Matt Johnson will have the call.