Titans Reign Over Regents

UW-Oshkosh made 10 of its first 14 shots from the field, including six three-pointers, to build a double-digit lead and capture an 84-68 men's basketball win over Rockford College (Ill.) on Saturday (Nov. 26) in Kolf Sports Center.

Dylan Wurtz (So. • Kimberly), who also grabbed six rebounds and dished off four assists, accounted for three early three-point baskets en route to a career-high 18 points. Chad Mathwig (Fr. • New Berlin) scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Titans, while John Flanigan (Sr. • Oshkosh) compiled 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Martell Hutchinson (Jr. • Milwaukee) was the fourth UW-Oshkosh player in double-figure scoring with his 12 points.

The game's first minute included a Wurtz jumper that gave UW-Oshkosh a lead it would never relinquish. Wurtz then dialed long distance three times to give the Titans a 17-10 advantage after 5:25 of play. Cory Nickel (So. • Waupun) and Greg Schrimpf (Sr. • Manitowoc) tacked on deep jumpers as UW-Oshkosh built a 28-17 lead midway through the opening half.

Rockford College (2-2) came back with seven straight points, including three by Paul Hall, to cut its deficit to 32-29. The Titans (2-2) then rallied with seven consecutive points of their own, as Mathwig's three-point play helped increase their advantage to 41-31 at the break.

Another 7-0 run by the Regents got them as close as they would get at 48-44. Keith Conway dropped in two lay-ups to achieve the four-point deficit. UW-Oshkosh then went on a 9-2 scoring binge that Schrimpf capped with a three-point basket to make it 62-49 with 8:19 left.

The Titans, who led by eight-plus points for the final 10:50 of play, hit 54.9 percent (28-51) of their shots from the field. They added 47.1 percent (8-17) accuracy from three-point range and 74.1 percent (20-27) success at the foul line.

Making just 4-of-19 three-point shots (21.1 percent), the Regents finished at 41.5 percent (27-65) from the field. They were led by the 11 points of both Tory Minnifield and Dominique Walker. Danny Fair counted five rebounds and Hall four assists for Rockford College, which converted 10-of-14 free throws (71.4 percent).

The Regents recorded 10 steals, as UW-Oshkosh committed 15 turnovers. Rockford College gave the ball away nine times while losing the rebounding category, 36-28.

WIAC play begins when the Titans visit nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point on Dec. 7.