Men's Basketball fall at UW-Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team put themselves in an 18-point hole in the first half, and couldn't get over the hump as UW-Oshkosh won the 60-56 decision on Wednesday evening in Kolf Sports Center. 

The Titans took the lead 46 seconds in to the game and never trailed; as UWO jumped out to 23-5 lead. Chas Cross helped the Pioneers back into the game by going 5-of-5 from the field, and a three-pointer by Boston Johnson tied it up at 27 apiece. The Titans then went on a 7-1 run in the final three and half minutes, taking a 34-28 advantage into the locker room. 

The Pioneers never allowed UWO to push its lead back to double digits in the second half, but UW-Platteville couldn't take the lead when they had it to a one-possession game. A three-pointer by Johnson cut UWO's lead to two points, 51-49, with 3:32 left to play. The Titans' Max Schebel pushed it back to a two-possession game with a pair of free throws with 1:12 to go. A quick jumper by Johnson put it back to a two-point game. Schebel made the first and then missed the second free throw on a bonus opportunity, giving the Pioneers a chance to tie the game, 54-51. UW-Platteville managed to get two looks to tie it up in the final 30 seconds, but couldn't convert. 

Cross lead all scorers with 19 points and added six rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Winnebago, Ill. native is two blocks away from setting a new Pioneer single season record, and seven from breaking Jeff Skemp's 130 career blocks record. 

Johnson ended his night with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. 

The Titans' Alex Olson led the team with 18 points, followed by Schebel's 15-point performance. 

The Pioneers travel to UW-La Crosse on Saturday with tip off set for 3 p.m.