Yellowjackets' Early Second-Half Defense Stifles Titans

UW-Superior played five minutes of shutout defense to go in front and defeat the UW-Oshkosh men's basketball team, 64-57, on Saturday (Feb. 12) in Kolf Sports Center.

The Titans (10-13/5-10 WIAC) came out of halftime strong, using Brian Washington's (So. • Waukesha) lay-in and dunk to take a 40-33 lead. From that moment, UW-Oshkosh didn't tally a point for the next 5:09. Marcus Helland knocked down a three-pointer, a jumper, a lay-up and a free throw to put UW-Superior ahead, 44-42, with 10:58 to play.

John Flanigan (Jr. • Oshkosh) marked two buckets inside to bring his team within 48-46. Dan Culy made sure it didn't get any closer, draining a mid-range attempt, three free throws and a deep jumper to make it 54-49 at the 6:59 mark.

UW-Oshkosh tried to claw back with a Paul Wojahn (So. • Oshkosh) triple, followed by Washington's hoop, to cut the deficit to 59-57. The Yellowjackets (13-10/5-9 WIAC) then made five free throws in the closing minute to seal the deal. They finished 15-of-22 at the foul line for the game (68 percent).

The Titans took charge during the opening minutes. Cory Wittwer (Sr. • Fall Creek) and Flanigan combined for eight straight points to put UW-Oshkosh up, 10-5. Trent Davis fired back with a pair of three-pointers to pull the Yellowjackets within 12-10 at the 13:15 mark.

Jake Smith buried a jumper from behind the arc to give UW-Superior its largest first-half margin at 21-15. After the Titans tied the score at the foul line, Wittwer took over in the last three minutes. He tallied two free throws, a lay-in and a triple just before the buzzer to post a 32-27 cushion at the break.

UW-Oshkosh sank just two shots from downtown (17 percent) as it totaled 43 percent accuracy overall. Wittwer paced the Titans with 22 points, as Flanigan added 15 points and eight rebounds. Washington tacked on 11 points and six boards for UW-Oshkosh, which converted 13-of-20 free throws (65 percent).

The Yellowjackets' balanced attack featured 17 points apiece by Culy (five rebounds) and Smith (four assists). Helland booked 10 points, contributing to UW-Superior's 49-percent shooting and 44-percent deep accuracy (7-16). Both teams committed 12 turnovers as the hosts gathered a 31-28 rebounding edge.

The Titans have their conference finale on Wednesday (Feb. 16) at UW-Whitewater.