Marauders take down Huskies
For the Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD – The battle of the Stevens Point two-year campuses came down to another thrilling ending, just like the first time they met earlier in the year. This time, overtime decided a winner in the UWSP-Marshfield versus UWSP-Marathon match up Feb. 4 in Wausau.
The game was close throughout, with defense playing a huge part. The Marauders 2-3 zone defense was able to hold the Huskies to just six points in the first 16 minutes of the game. Holding a 16-6 lead, the Huskies put together a late run to take the lead 21-19 into halftime.
Out of halftime the Huskies were able to build a lead, but the Marauders continued to hang around long enough to stay within striking distance. As the game began to wind down, the Marauders had clawed their way back to tie and take a late lead. Over the last two minutes, the Marauders and Huskies exchanged clutch shots. A missed half court shot by the Huskies sent the game into overtime tied at 51.
Overtime provided the same intense basketball the prior 40 minutes brought with back and forth basketball. With the Marauders holding on to a one-point lead with 20 seconds left, Darren Kieffer was fouled and sent to the line. After making one of two free throws, the Huskies brought the ball up down two. A foul on a 3-point shooter sent the Huskies to the line with 13 seconds left and a chance to take a one-point lead. After making the first free throw, the second free throw came up short, and the third free throw was made tying the game at 60.
The Marauders pushed the ball up the court when Nick Malovrh was fouled with nine seconds left and a chance for the lead. The first free throw fell short, but the second free throw was nothing but net. The Huskies ran the ball up the court with one last attempt to win the game. A tough look from the corner wouldn’t fall and the Marauders were able to hold on for a 61-60 overtime thriller.
Leading the way for the Marauders was Jack Bezlyk with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals. Nick Malovrh followed up with 18 points and seven rebounds. Trey Rau finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and three steals. All seven players for the Marauders had five or more rebounds each.
With the win the Marauders improve their record to 5-8 after taking their second straight game. The Marauders will look for a third-straight win and sole possession of second place in conference on Feb. 6, when they take on UW-Platteville Baraboo at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.