Oshkosh, Wis. -- Freshman Charlie Averkamp (New Berlin, Wis.) scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his collegiate debut for Edgewood College (0-1) on Friday night, but it wasn't enough as UW-Oskosh (1-0) pulled out a 77-68 victory in the season opener for both teams from the Kolf Sports Center.
The Titans went on a 7-0 run to begin the game, forcing a 30-second timeout by Edgewood less than two minutes into the contest. However, the Eagles rallied back to tie the game at 23-23 following five straight baskets by Averkamp. Averkamp, a 6-foot-6 forward, scored 17 of his 21 points in the first half.
The Eagles trailed UW-O 39-33 going into the lockeroom at halftime. The Titans took their biggest lead of the game with 9:03 left to play on a three-point basket from junior transfer Andy Jahnke to make the score 61-47.
Edgewood College battled down the stretch and eventually came within five points, when junior Kyle Scott (Burlington, Wis.) nailed a three pointer with 28 seconds remaining.
The Titans shot 65.1 percent (28-of43) from the floor, compared to just 43.9 percent (25-of-57) by Edgewood College. UW-O also connected on nine shots from beyond the arc.
Senior center Greg Blaska (DeForest, Wis.) finished with 14 points, while junior forward Seth Cooper* (Madison, Wis.) added 13.
Edgewood College will host UW-Platteville in its home opener from the Todd Wehr Edgedome on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
