Titans Defeated By Seventh-Ranked Pointers

UW-Stevens Point shot 63 percent in the first half to take control of its 74-53 men's basketball win over UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday (Dec. 5) in Kolf Sports Center. The Pointers (6-0/2-0 WIAC) are ranked seventh by D3hoops.com.

The first four baskets for UW-Stevens Point came from four different players. Joe Ritchay knocked down a three-pointer four minutes in to take a 10-4 lead. Another long ball by Trevor Hass extended the margin to 15-4.

Of their first 20 shots, the Pointers made 13 and the Titans sank seven. UW-Oshkosh (2-4/0-1 WIAC) tallied eight straight points, using Cory Nickel's (Jr. • Waupun) triple to make it 15-12.

Alex Richard converted two hoops in the lane to increase the Pointer cushion. A string of nine unanswered points was capped by Jordan Lutz's lay-in for a 32-16 lead with 7:25 on the clock. UW-Stevens Point got five points by Tyler Tillema late in the half to go ahead, 45-26, at the break.

After the difference stretched to 52-32, Andre Wallace (Fr. • Sun Prairie) dropped in a lay-up and a jumper. Jade Royston's (Jr. • Wisconsin Dells) free throw with 11:06 remaining made it 52-40.

UW-Stevens Point pulled away with a 22-7 run over the next seven minutes. Clayton Heuer marked eight of those points before Trevor Hass canned a three-ball to lead, 74-47.

Tillema topped all players with 20 points. He also dished out five assists, as Hass and Ritchay each scored 10 points. The Pointers held a 34-17 rebounding advantage while shooting 55 percent (29-53) overall, 35 percent (7-20) from deep and a perfect 9-of-9 on free throws.

Wallace paced the Titans with 12 points, while Sean Wise (Sr. • Wautoma) totaled 10 points and five rebounds. Royston compiled six assists for UW-Oshkosh, which hit 45 percent (23-51) from the field, 40 percent (4-10) behind the arc and 75 percent at the foul line (3-4).

The Titans travel to UW-River Falls on Saturday (Dec. 8).