UW-Oshkosh attempted 42 free throws while improving to 5-0 with a 76-67 triumph over Loras College on Saturday (Nov. 23) in Kolf Sports Center.

The Titans went ahead early and led for the final 36 minutes. UW-Oshkosh had six different players score at least nine points, including 11 from Katelyn Kuehl and 10 apiece by Ashley Neustifter and Taylor Schmidt.

Loras College, which handed UW-Oshkosh its first defeat last season, gained a 6-4 lead on Lauren Byrne's three-pointer. Kuehl responded with a lay-up on the next possession to tie the score at 6.

Schmidt made a long pass down the court to Kuehl, who finished at the hoop to go ahead. That basket started a 12-0 run for the Titans. Maggie Novak ended the streak with a triple, making it 18-6 with 12:32 on the clock.

UW-Oshkosh is averaging more than 30 free throws per game this year. With 8:03 left in the half, Marissa Selner sank a pair at the foul line for a 26-15 advantage.

The Duhawks chipped away at their deficit, as Byrne hit a lay-up and Hailey Varner splashed a three-ball. Katie Langmeier connected on two free throws to pull within 31-24 at the 4:35 mark.

Novak and Kendall Truttman knocked down consecutive three-pointers before halftime to take a 42-30 lead.

The Titans held a double-digit cushion for the majority of the second half. Sarah Stecker counted a lay-in and trio of free throws to go up, 51-36. Novak and Alicia Tollefson then followed with back-to-back triples to make it 63-45 with 11:05 to play.

The teams combined to shoot 45 free throws during the final 20 minutes. Victoria May scored eight straight Loras points to claw within 68-59. The Duhawks made it a 73-67 margin with 1:30 left, but that was the best they could do.

UW-Oshkosh hit over 44 percent behind the arc for the third straight game. The Titans made 7-of-12 attempts from long range (58 percent) on their way to 45 percent overall shooting. UW-Oshkosh converted 25 of its 42 free throws (60 percent).

Kuehl topped all players with eight rebounds, while Neustifter dished out five assists. UW-Oshkosh won both the rebounding battle, 33-32, and the turnover category, 11-17.

Loras was led by May's 22 points and five rebounds. Langmeier added 13 points and six boards for the Duhawks, who shot 45 percent from the field, 33 percent (3-9) from long range and 80 percent at the charity stripe (20-25).

The Titans continue their homestand against Lakeland College on Tuesday (Nov. 26).

By Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information