Clarke University (Iowa) allowed just 15 first-half points as it defeated UW-Oshkosh, 73-57, in the championship game of the Hilton Garden Inn Men's Basketball Classic held Sunday (Nov. 24) in Kolf Sports Center.

The Crusaders took a 31-15 lead to intermission after holding the host Titans to just 22 percent (5-23) shooting from the field. Clarke University made 12 of its 22 first-half shots (54.5 percent) while collecting 20 of the period's 29 rebounds.

Trailing 5-4, Clarke University (6-1) scored eight straight points during the next 10 minutes to a take a 12-5 advantage with 7:36 left in the opening period. Following a basket by UW-Oshkosh's Jade Royston, the Crusaders tallied seven consecutive points to build a 19-7 lead with 5:23 remaining.

Clarke University had one more scoring run left in the first half. This time it was eight straight points that gave the Crusaders a 27-10 lead with 2:22 left. The teams then exchanged points the rest of the period.

In the second half, Clarke University built its lead to 38-17 before UW-Oshkosh (1-2) rallied to cut its deficit to 46-40 with 9:34 to play. The Titans' 23-8 scoring run featured nine points from Alex Olson and six from Royston.

Clarke University ended any hope for a UW-Oshkosh victory when it scored nine straight points to take a 55-40 lead with 6:38 left. The Crusaders maintained their double-digit advantage by converting 10-of-12 free throws during the final three minutes of action.

Dylan Wurtz led UW-Oshkosh in scoring with 15 points. The Titans also received 14 from Royston, 13 from Michael Patt and 11 from Olson. Royston also contributed four assists, three rebounds and three steals.

David Neis, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, scored 25 points for Clarke University. He made 11-of-12 free throws while also collecting four rebounds. The Crusaders also acquired 18 points from Tre Wagner, 10 points Franz Winkler and six points and 10 rebounds from David Howard.

UW-Oshkosh finished the contest shooting 34.5 percent (19-55) from the field, 39.3 (11-28) behind the three-point line and 66.7 (8-12) from the free throw stripe.

Clarke University shot 50 percent (22-44) from the field and knocked down 24-of-28 free throws for an accuracy of 85.7 percent. The Crusaders shot 35.7 percent (5-14) behind the three-point arc.

Clarke University won the rebounding battle, 37-23.

Buena Vista University (Iowa) took the consolation title with a 100-62 victory over Finlandia University (Mich.).

In addition to Neis, other players on the all-tournament team were Wagner and Winkler from Clarke University, Wurtz from UW-Oshkosh and Cole Darrow from Buena Vista University.

UW-Oshkosh is off until it visits Carthage College on Saturday (Nov. 30). The contest will be the first between the teams since 1996.