Alex Olson scored a career-high 18 points during UW-Oshkosh's 70-57 victory over Maranatha Baptist University on Saturday (Jan. 25) in Kolf Sports Center.

The Titans (8-9), who won for the fourth time in five games, took the lead in the third minute and held it for the rest of the contest. Max Schebel had a strong day with eight points, eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Fellow freshman Kyle Bolger also contributed 11 points.

Maranatha (5-11) made its first two shots of the game to go ahead, 4-0. The Titans roared back, as Dylan Wurtz nailed a three-pointer and Schebel had a breakaway dunk to move in front. Jake Laihinen followed with a put back to make it 10-4.

The Crusaders, who average 73 points per game, chipped away with deep jumpers by Brady Moses and David Wenthold. Andrew McKinney added a lay-up with 5:27 on the clock to pull Maranatha within 22-21.

UW-Oshkosh increased its lead with a lay-up and three-ball from Jade Royston. The Titans carried a 31-24 advantage to halftime.

The Titans grabbed a season-high 14 steals on the afternoon. Early in the second period, Olson and Schebel converted baskets off turnovers to make it a 39-26 ballgame.

Laihinen buried a jumper to increase the margin to 48-34. Maranatha then tallied eight unanswered points in just 1:21. Wenthold swished a triple before Tanner Moses finished a three-point play to help the Crusaders pull to 53-49 with 7:55 remaining.

Olson regained the momentum with 6:07 on the clock. He stole the ball, drove the length of the court and hit a lay-up while getting fouled. The ensuing free throw put the Titans up, 59-49.

UW-Oshkosh totaled 45 percent (26-58) shooting from the field, 32 percent (9-28) success from downtown and 56 percent accuracy at the foul line (9-16). The Titans used 11 offensive rebounds while committing only nine turnovers.

The Crusaders received 22 points and five assists from Tanner Moses, along with 12 points by Brady Moses. Maranatha shot 47 percent overall (23-49), including 50 percent (7-14) from long distance, and 4-of-6 at the charity stripe (67 percent).

This was the first meeting between the two schools.

UW-Oshkosh travels to UW-La Crosse on Wednesday (Jan. 29).

By Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information