Defending WIAC Champion Hands Titans Their First Loss

In a game that featured 13 lead changes, UW-Whitewater held on during the second half for a 72-66 decision over the UW-Oshkosh women's basketball team on Wednesday (Jan. 8) in Whitewater.

The Warhawks (10-3/4-0 WIAC) are ranked 19th in the NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com, while the Titans (12-1/3-1 WIAC) stand 17th.

UW-Whitewater capitalized with 29 points off a season-high 23 turnovers by UW-Oshkosh. The Warhawks went ahead for good with 15:53 remaining and then made 11 consecutive free throws to end the contest.

The first four minutes were high-scoring, with Katelyn Kuehl converting a three-point play to put the Titans up, 7-6. UW-Whitewater responded with lay-ups by Morgan Dahlke and Mary Merg to gain a 12-7 advantage.

Trailing by three points late in the half, UW-Oshkosh went on an 11-0 scoring run. Kuehl and Morgan Kokta dialed up back-to-back three-pointers. Sarah Stecker then converted a three-point play and another lay-in to give the Titans a 33-25 lead with 3:07 on the clock. UW-Oshkosh held a 35-31 lead at intermission.

The teams went back and forth early in the second period. Taylor Schmidt buried a three-pointer to put UW-Oshkosh in front, 41-40. Katie Burton came back with a traditional three-point play, and the Warhawks would lead for the rest of the game.

Amy Mandrell scored four straight points to put the Warhawks on top, 51-48. The Warhawks' advantage eventually reached 64-57 when Kaitlyn Thill sank two foul shots with 3:23 to play.

UW-Oshkosh refused to go away, using a Maggie Novak three-pointer and two free throws by Kuehl to earn a two-point deficit (64-62). While the Warhawks knocked down their free throws, the Titans committed two turnovers in the final 80 seconds.

Four Warhawks scored in double figures, including Merg who tallied 20 points and Thill who counted 19. Merg also compiled four steals and Thill seven rebounds.

Kuehl topped the Titans with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Sarah Stecker compiled 11 points and four rebounds. Kokta and Schmidt scored nine points each.

The Warhawks finished with 42 percent shooting (26-62) from the field, 14 percent accuracy (1-7) from three-point range and 79 percent success (19-24) at the foul line.

UW-Oshkosh registered shooting marks of 40 percent (19-47) from the field, 53 percent (8-15) from three-point range and 74 percent (20-27) from the charity stripe.

The Titans, who have gone 24 days between home games, face UW-River Falls on Saturday (Jan. 11) in Kolf Sports Center.

By Jon Feyen