Titans Hunt Down Lions

Four players scored at least 12 points as UW-Oshkosh recorded a 75-64 men's basketball triumph over the College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio) on Monday (Dec. 19) in Las Vegas, Nev.

UW-Oshkosh's John Flanigan (Sr. • Oshkosh) tallied 25 points to lead all players, while Chad Mathwig (Fr. • New Berlin) contributed 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. The Titans (3-5) also received 12 points and two assists from Greg Schrimpf (Sr. • Manitowoc) and 12 points and eight rebounds from Martell Hutchinson (Jr. • Milwaukee).

The College of Mount St. Joseph (5-5) never led in the contest, but the Lions remained close until there were 12 minutes left. UW-Oshkosh then scored 14 straight points to increase a seven-point lead to a 66-45 advantage. Mathwig made three baskets inside before Schrimpf drained consecutive three-point shots with 8:26 left on the clock.

The Lions hit 11 shots behind the three-point line, including four in the closing minutes. Johnny Bunker accounted for two of them as the College of Mount St. Joseph cut its deficit to the final score with two seconds left.

UW-Oshkosh built a 12-2 advantage during the first three minutes of the game. Andy Countryman then drained a three-point shot to bring the Lions back. After a lay-up by David Mann, the Titan lead was 22-20 with 10:45 left in the opening period.

Flanigan converted three free throws to increase the Titans' advantage to 32-25. The College of Mount St. Joseph answered with seven straight points, including five by Countryman, to tie the score at 32.

UW-Oshkosh led 38-35 at the break and stretched its lead to 10 points early in the second half. Flanigan had a three-point play, two lay-ups and two free throws to take the Titans' advantage to 52-42 with 13:17 remaining.

With Hutchinson adding eight rebounds and Flanigan five, UW-Oshkosh won the rebounding battle, 37-19. Both teams turned the basketball over 11 times.

UW-Oshkosh shot 52.8 percent (28-53) from the field, including 31.6 (6-19) behind the three-point line. The Titans made 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent).

The College of Mount St. Joseph, a first-time opponent o UW-Oshkosh, shot 45.8 percent (22-48) from the field. The Lions also shot 75 percent (9-12) from the free-throw line and 42.3 percent (11-26) behind the three-point arc.

Mann totaled 22 points and four rebounds for the Lions, while Countryman added 19 points and David Lane seven points and five assists.

The Titans meet up with Benedictine University (Ill.) on Tuesday (Dec. 20) in Las Vegas.