Titans Finish Off Sabres On New Year's Eve

UW-Oshkosh had four players with double-figure scoring for the second straight game as it rolled to a 79-59 men's basketball victory over Marian University on Friday (Dec. 31) in Kolf Sports Center.

Cory Wittwer (Sr. • Fall Creek) and John Flanigan (Jr. • Oshkosh) marked 14 points apiece to lead the way as Wittwer tacked on two assists and three steals. The Titans (6-5), who led for the final 31 minutes, also used 12 points from Paul Wojahn (So. • Oshkosh) and 10 points by Greg Schrimpf (Jr. • Manitowoc). Brian Washington (So. • Waukesha) paced all players with 11 rebounds while scoring nine.

The Sabres (1-9) used inside buckets from three different players to establish an early 6-2 lead. Flanigan responded with eight of UW-Oshkosh's first 13 points to go in front at the 11:09 mark. Wittwer then added a three-pointer and a traditional three-point play to put his team up, 19-12.

With 8:39 left in the opening period, Colin Lohenry sank a lay-up to cut the deficit to 21-16. The Titans followed that with a Schrimpf jumper before taking advantage of some uncontested shots. A trio of players each converted two free throws, expanding the UW-Oshkosh cushion to 29-16 with 6:57 on the clock.

Marian University continued to feed the ball inside, getting two baskets from Donnahugh Brown and one from James Bartelt. The Titans dialed in from behind the arc as Wittwer and Nate Wara (So. • Oshkosh) knocked down triples in the closing 4:20. Schrimpf's two foul shots just before halftime made it a 39-27 score.

UW-Oshkosh's margin remained in double digits for the first six minutes of the second frame. Flanigan and Wojahn combined to score the Titans' opening 10 points. With 15:20 to play, Lohenry marked his third hoop of the half to pull the Sabres within 47-37.

The closest the game got was a 50-41 tally after Cody Veleke's jump shot. UW-Oshkosh put the contest out of reach by posting nine unanswered points, including a three-ball by Wittwer. The scoreboard showed a 65-45 figure after the Titans buried six consecutive free throws.

Washington booked two late lay-ups, while Bryan Gregory (Fr. • Edgerton) added a three-point play for the Titans. Marian University got some excitement in the closing seven minutes when Jeff Harris put in a three-pointer, two foul shots and a dunk.

UW-Oshkosh held a slight shooting advantage (46 percent to 43 percent), but the Titans benefitted from a 12-point edge on free throws (23-11) and a four-point margin from long range (6-2). Marian University made just 2-of-14 deep tries (14 percent) and turned the ball over 20 times.

The Sabres were led by 18 points from Harris, 14 points from Lohenry and 10 points by Brown. Josh Washington topped his squad with eight rebounds.

The Titans return to action at nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday (Jan. 5).