Written by: Jeremy Williamson, Sports Information Assistant

OSHKOSH, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team defeated the Titans of UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday night in a low scoring, defensive battle, 49-46.

Sophomore forward Cory Vaassen led the Pioneers with 13 points along with seven rebounds and four steals, while shooting 3-4 from three-point range. 

After dropping down 4-0, the Pioneers went on a 19-4 run, capping off their largest lead of the half with a Wes Nemitz three-point basket making it 19-8.

Unfortunately the Titans made a 17-7 run of their own, to finish the half down by one, 26-25.

The Pioneers shot 71.4 percent, going 5-7 from three-point range and 10-22 from the field in the first half.

Their defense also held the Titans to only five players scoring in the first half and six players with points by the end of the game.

The second half of play saw a 12-3 Pioneer run as they reached their largest lead of the period at 10, going up 38-28 with 11:24 remaining, capped off by a Jim Stocki layup.

Stocki finished with 11 points on the night, along with a team-high eight rebounds.

Oshkosh quickly responded with a 9-0 run closing the game to one, with 6:23 left in the game, 38-37.

A clutch three-pointer by Vaassen spread the lead to four, but the Titans rallied back and took over 44-43 with 2:06 remaining.

The Titans managed to sink another basket, but a pair of Jake Manning free throws secured the victory, 49-46, with eight seconds remaining.

The men's basketball team returns home on Saturday to take on No. 15 UW-Stevens Point at Bo Ryan Court.