For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – The UWSP at Marshfield Marauders closed out the 2019-20 regular season with a convincing 89-69 win over UWP-Baraboo.

The Marauders came into the game having gone 0-7 against the Fighting Spirits over the last three years.

With a good mix of inside and outside shooting, the Marauders were able to trade haymakers with the Fighting Spirits. A late run before half led to a 47-40 half time lead.

Coming out of the half, the Marauders defense was determined to lock down the Fighting Spirits two highest scorers.  With their defense playing well, the Marauders offense was sparked by some hot shooting by Colton Wright (Auburndale). Wright knocked down two straight 3-pointers, which was followed by Ethan Posteluk (Marshfield) hitting his own.  After knocking down outside shots, the lanes opened and Posteluk took full advantage by slicing through the defense and finishing at the rim. Jack Bezlyk (Spencer) put the finishing touches on the game by going 5-of-6 from the free throw line and finishing with a couple late put backs.

The Marauders were able to hold onto a 20-point lead for the remaining five minutes of the game and their defense held the Fighting Spirits’ two leading scorers to zero points in the second half.

Leading the way for the Marauders was Wright and Posteluk with a game-high 22 points each.  Joey Miller (Columbus) finished with 14 points, Bezlyk with 13 points, and Joe Fields (Obama SCTE) chipped in 13 of his own.

First round of playoffs are Feb. 12; second round is Feb. 15. The state tournament is Feb. 22-23 at JustAGame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells.