Titans On Fire During Blowout Of Falcons

UW-Oshkosh posted its best shooting performance in eight years during an 89-57 victory over the UW-River Falls women's basketball team on Saturday (Jan. 11) in Kolf Sports Center. The Titans (13-1/4-1 WIAC) are ranked 17th in the NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com.

The Titans totaled 63 percent accuracy from the field, including 9-of-17 success (53 percent) beyond the arc. Taylor Schmidt led UW-Oshkosh with a career-high 21 points, including four three-pointers. Sarah Stecker added a career-high 19 points while hitting 7-of-7 free throws.

Both squads were hot to start the game. UW-Oshkosh made 9-of-10 shots, while UW-River Falls sank 8-of-11.

The Titans bolted to a 6-0 lead after just 67 seconds of action. Schmidt then inbounded the ball to Stecker, who earned a lay-up and free throw for the three-point play.

Trailing 13-6, the Falcons rallied with hoops from Tess Lueders and Kate Theisen. UW-Oshkosh then converted four triples, including two by Schmidt, in a little over three minutes to grab a 29-18 lead.

With 2:04 on the clock, Schmidt swished another three-ball from way behind the line to make it a 49-24 score. The Titans then ended the half with a bang, as Morgan Kokta banked in a 30-foot attempt at the buzzer for a 56-30 lead.

Stecker counted the first six points of the second period to keep UW-Oshkosh's momentum. UW-River Falls followed by turning the ball over on four straight possessions. Schmidt took advantage with a mid-range jumper to put the Titans ahead, 64-30.

UW-Oshkosh made its first 20 free throws of the contest, with a pair by Brittany Mirsberger making it 72-36 at the 10:05 mark. The Titans finished 22-for-26 at the charity stripe (85 percent).

UW-Oshkosh's largest lead of the contest was 80-42. The Titans led by 20+ points for the final 23:15 of play.

Lueders and Theisen each scored 11 points for the Falcons (4-10/3-3 WIAC), who shot 48 percent (20-42) from the field, 25 percent (3-12) from long range and 67 percent (14-21) at the foul line.

Ashley Neustifter didn't tally any points, but she contributed six assists, four steals and four rebounds for the Titans. UW-Oshkosh recorded an assist on 24 of its 29 baskets.

UW-Oshkosh won the rebounding battle, 25-18, using a game-high six boards from Katelyn Kuehl.

The Titans host nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday (Jan. 15) in Kolf Sports Center.

By Jon Feyen