Titans Lose To Pioneers In WIAC Opener

Jade Royston scored a season-high 25 points, but it wasn't enough as UW-Oshkosh lost its WIAC men's basketball opener at UW-Platteville, 80-66, on Wednesday (Dec. 4).

The Pioneers (5-2/1-0 WIAC) were led by Chas Cross, who totaled 20 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. UW-Platteville had all five starters score in double figures, including Jim Stocki who added 15 points.

Royston drained a jumper four minutes into the game for a 9-9 tie. Stocki then nailed a three-pointer to start a 7-0 scoring run for the Pioneers. Jake Manning's lay-up put the home team on top, 16-9.

UW-Platteville took control during the final six minutes of the half. Stocki knocked down two more three-point shots to give the Pioneers a 35-21 lead. Eric Gerber's three-point play at the 1:44 mark increased the Pioneers' advantage to 40-26. UW-Platteville went to intermission leading 43-27.

Midway through the second half, UW-Oshkosh put together six unanswered points that featured baskets by Royston, Dylan Wurtz and Alex Olson. The closest the score would get was 74-62 following a Royston a jumper and a three-pointer with three minutes left.

The Titans shot just 38 percent (9-24) from the field in the first half before going 15-of-26 (58 percent) in the second. UW-Oshkosh hit 6-of-11 (55 percent) shots behind the three-point arc and 12-of-20 attempts (60 percent) at the foul line.

UW-Platteville finished with 48 percent (27-50) shooting from the field, including 44 (8-18) from long distance. The Pioneers connected on 18-of-26 free throws (69 percent).

The Pioneers outrebounded the Titans, 33-24. Both squads took care of the ball, with UW-Platteville counting nine turnovers and UW-Oshkosh 10.

Wurtz chipped in 10 points for UW-Oshkosh, while AJ Mueller scored six.

The Titans continue conference play with a trip to UW-Superior on Saturday (Dec. 7).