Titans Lose Close Game to the Blugolds

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.- The UW-Oshkosh men's basketball team lost a close game to UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday night on the road in their first game of 2023. 

First Half Summary

Oshkosh stayed within three points early in the game until the Blugolds went on a seven-point run, taking a 14-6 lead with 11:28 remaining in the first half. Not to be taken out early, the Titans scored 11 straight of their own and took an 18-17 lead with under five to play. The lead didn't last long, but they stayed within five through the end of the half, sitting at a 25-20 deficit after 20 minutes.

First Half Leaders

Oshkosh shot 36.4 percent (eight-of-22) from the field, 20.0 percent (one-of-five) from three and 60.0 percent (three-of-five) from the line, led by Levi Borchert who scored seven points. He went three-of-five from the field and one-of-two from the line, also recording six rebounds (one offensive). Jonah Rindfleisch led all players with two blocks.

Eau Claire shot 36.7 percent (11-of-30) from the field, 20.0 percent (one-of-five) from three and 60.0 percent (three-of-five) from the line. David Ijadimbola led the Blugolds with seven points, going three-of-four from the field and one-of-one from the line himself. Brock Voigt was the top rebounder of the half, pulling down a total of eight (one offensive). 

Second Half Summary

Three baskets from the Titans gave them a 27-25 lead after four minutes of play in the half. The lead was lost again, but they stuck within three points until a Voigt three put Eau Claire up by five with 11 minutes remaining. The teams traded points until Quinn Steckbauer made a layup with 23 seconds left, putting the score at 48-49. He was fouled on the shot but missed the free throw. Cole Booth fouled Voigt with 10 seconds left, sending him to the line. Voigt made both shots to put the Blugolds up by three. After an Oshkosh timeout, Steckbauer put up a three with two seconds left, but it did not go in and the Titans lost 48-51. 

Full Game Leaders

Oshkosh shot 37.3 percent (19-of-51) from the field, 27.3 percent (three-of-11) from three and 53.8 percent (seven-of-13) from the line in the game. Borchert recorded his ninth double-double of the season, recording 10 points and 13 rebounds (five offensive). He shot four-of-10 from the field and two-of-four from the line. Eric Peterson also scored 10 points and Steckbauer led the bench with 11 points. With the loss, Oshkosh currently holds a 9-5 (2-1 WIAC) record.

Eau Claire shot 37.5 percent (21-of-56) from the field, 21.1 percent (four-of-19) from three and 71.4 percent (five-of-seven) from the line. Voigt recorded a double-double of his own, scoring 16 points on seven-of-18 from the field and two-of-two from the line and 14 rebounds (three offensive). Ijadimbola finished with 10 points. After the win, the Blugolds jumped to a 10-4 (2-1 WIAC) record.

Looking Forward

The Titans return home on Jan. 7 to face UW-River Falls at 5:00 p.m. Saturday is Alumni Day at Kolf Sports Center.