Eagles' Consistency Equals Victory Over Titans

Luke Tweed made 7-of-9 shots for a game-best 19 points in UW-La Crosse's 65-49 win over the UW-Oshkosh men's basketball team on Saturday (Jan. 5) in La Crosse.

Tweed also grabbed eight rebounds as the Eagles improved to 11-3 (4-1 WIAC). UW-La Crosse pulled away late in the first half and held at least a nine-point lead for the entire second period.

UW-Oshkosh (6-8/1-4 WIAC) was paced by 12 points from Dylan Wurtz (Jr. • Kimberly), who made 4-of-6 shots behind the three-point line. Wurtz added seven rebounds, to go with 11 points from Jade Royston (Jr. • Wisconsin Dells) and eight points and three assists by Cory Nickel (Jr. • Waupun).

In the game's first 30 seconds, Tweed recorded a steal and knocked down a three-pointer. Wurtz countered with two deep jumpers of his own to go ahead, 8-6. The Titans extended their cushion to 15-14 on two Alex Olson (Fr. • Brookfield) free throws with 12:14 on the clock.

UW-La Crosse closed the opening frame with a 10-2 run that began with five points by Tweed. Braden Tice swished a three-ball before the break for the 35-26 advantage.

Tweed hit a lay-up to attain the game's largest margin of 42-26. The closest UW-Oshkosh would get was 50-41 when Royston tallied a three-point play with 5:39 remaining. The Eagles finished the contest with eight of the last 10 points.

UW-La Crosse received 15 points from Tice and 13 from Trent Schmidt off the bench. The Eagles buried 8-of-21 three-pointers (38 percent), while totaling 39 percent (22-56) overall shooting and 81 percent success at the foul line (13-16).

The Titans compiled 33 percent accuracy (17-51) from the field and 75 percent marksmanship on free throws (9-12). UW-Oshkosh attempted 21 shots beyond the arc, making six (29 percent).

Both teams took care of the ball, with the Eagles committing seven turnovers and the Titans 10.

UW-Oshkosh meets UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday (Jan. 9) in Kolf Sports Center.