Visiting Warhawks Handcuff Titans

UW-Oshkosh shot a season-low 25 percent from the field during its 64-46 women's basketball defeat to UW-Whitewater on Saturday (Feb. 15) in Kolf Sports Center.

The Warhawks (21-3/15-0 WIAC), ranked 11th in the NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com, won their 13th straight game to clinch the league crown outright. The Titans (20-3/11-3 WIAC) are ranked 17th in the country.

During the opening four minutes, UW-Oshkosh made three straight shots on its way to a 9-3 lead. The Titans then were unable to score for nearly four minutes.

UW-Whitewater went ahead with a 22-6 scoring run. Mary Merg's three-point play gave the Warhawks a 13-11 lead. Abbie Reeves started the rally with a long three-pointer, and then she followed with a lay-in to make it 25-15 with 5:27 on the clock.

The Warhawks' lead was 27-21 at halftime. UW-Oshkosh needed 4:46 to get on the board in the second period, with Kendell Truttman's three-pointer pulling the Titans within 31-24.

An 18-5 UW-Whitewater run put the game out of reach. Three-pointers from Katie Burton and Andrea Olson helped the Warhawks take a 49-29 lead with 9:05 to play.

Katelyn Kuehl scored seven points in the final 7:01, as the Titans never got closer than 17 points. UW-Whitewater tallied its last eight points on free throws.

Marissa Selner counted a personal-high 12 rebounds, while Truttman tallied a career-best nine points. UW-Oshkosh also received nine points and three assists from Kuehl, in addition to eight points and six rebounds by Sarah Stecker.

The Titans got their first nine field goals from nine different players. However, they finished just 14-of-56 from the field, including 5-of-15 (33 percent) from three-point long range, while making 13-of-20 (65 percent) free throws.

UW-Whitewater totaled 43 percent (20-47) shooting overall, with 4-of-9 success (44 percent) beyond the three-point arc and 20-of-25 accuracy (80 percent) at the foul line.

Merg led all players with 18 points. Kristen Ruchti added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Warhawks, as Reeves contributed 10 points and five boards.

UW-Oshkosh grabbed 15 offensive rebounds while winning the battle on the glass, 41-36.

The Titans travel to UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday (Feb. 19).

By Jon Feyen