Second-Ranked Vikings Pull Away From Titans

Augustana College (Ill.) went ahead with a 16-0 scoring run during the second half of its 80-72 men's basketball win over UW-Oshkosh on Tuesday (Nov. 22) in Kolf Sports Center. The Vikings (3-0) entered the contest ranked second in the NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com.

The Titans (0-2) held a 56-51 lead with 14 minutes remaining before Augustana College heated up. Brian DeSimone and George Dexter each made a basket after UW-Oshkosh committed turnovers. Despite 3-of-12 accuracy (25 percent) from three-point range on the night, the Vikings used consecutive triples by Bryant Voiles to take a 64-56 advantage at the 10:57 mark.

The margin grew as large as 13 points, but never less than seven, during the rest of the game. The Titans missed three free throws in a 63-second span, after missing only one in the first 35 minutes. Jade Royston (So. • Wisconsin Dells) buried a pair of late three-pointers, cutting the deficit to 75-67 with 3:21 remaining.

Both squads shot the ball well from the field, with Augustana College totaling 53.8 percent (28-52) and UW-Oshkosh 45.1 (23-51). The Vikings connected on 80.8 percent (21-26) of their free throws, while the Titans shot 81.8 (18-22) and 40 percent (8-20) behind the three-point line. Augustana College prevailed in the rebounding (30-24) and turnover (10-13) categories.

The Vikings made four straight lay-ups to earn an 8-2 lead in the opening period. Martell Hutchinson (Jr. • Milwaukee) then dropped in a lay-up and jumper to help tie the score at 10. Cory Nickel (So. • Waupun) drilled two shots behind the arc midway through the half to give UW-Oshkosh a 19-14 cushion.

After four straight UW-Oshkosh free throws, Augustana College responded to its eight-point deficit. The Vikings scored 10 unanswered points as part of a 17-4 run. Voiles registered four points before Chris Anderson converted in the paint to make it 31-31. A pair of foul shots by Kameron Norton put the visitors in front, 38-33, with 2:44 before intermission.

Royston swished a three-point shot to open the second half and bring the Titans within 44-43. The contest's seventh – and final – tie came at 51. John Flanigan (Sr. • Oshkosh) sank a hoop at the 14-minute mark to give UW-Oshkosh its 56-51 margin.

Flanigan paced the Titans with 19 points, as Hutchinson racked up 12 points and a game-high seven rebounds. Royston compiled 14 points and five boards.

Augustana College featured 21 points from Voiles, 12 by Luke Scarlata and nine by DeSimone. Troy Rorer tallied three assists, three blocks and two steals, while DeSimone dished out four assists.

UW-Oshkosh hosts Saint Mary's University (Minn.) on Friday (Nov. 25) in Kolf Sports Center.