SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – La Roche men's basketball began its trip at the Great Lakes Invitational in the opening game of the showcase, squaring off against #25 Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Trailing by just one at halftime, the Redhawks were unable to hold off the Titans second half surge, as Oshkosh took down La Roche, 77-68.

Defense highlighted nearly the first eight minutes of the contest, as it was the Titans holding a slim 15-14 lead in the opening 7:40 of the contest.

After trailing still 17-16, the Redhawks utilized a 6-0 run to open its largest lead of the half at the time at 22-17, and held the lead again 34-27, its overall largest lead of the half, with 4:02 remaining.

However, Oshkosh countered with a 10-0 run from 3:47 remaining until the 1:32 mark to take a 37-34 lead.

La Roche before the half received a free-throw at 45 seconds remaining and then a three pointer from freshman David Sledge with 25 seconds remaining to regain a 38-37 lead, but the Titans would beat the buzzer with two seconds left to take a 39-38 lead into the break.

Out of the half, the Redhawks opened the scoring to regain the lead at 41-40, but it would be countered by an Oshkosh 14-4 run that opened a 54-45 lead for the Titans, its largest of the afternoon to that point, with 14:03 left to play.

After La Roche trimmed the deficit to 57-53 with 9:56 left, Oshkosh would surge offensively, utilizing a 16-4 run over the next 6:10 to open a 73-57 lead.

The Redhawks never backed down, ending the game scoring 11 of the final 15 points as the game came to a close.

For the game, La Roche finished the day going 22-for-52 (42.3%) from the floor, and 6-for-19 (31.6%) from three. From the foul line, the Redhawks capitalized on 18 of 22 attempts (81.8%).

On the other side, the Titans finished 26-for-64 (40.6%) from the field, and 7-for-26 (26.9%) from deep, while going 18-for-29 from the foul line.

La Roche was led offensively by junior Michael Brooks who ended the game with 18 points, five rebounds and a pair of assists.

Fellow junior Dominic Elliot hit double figures with 12 points and three rebounds, while another junior, Joe Starzynski chipped in 11 points with three boards.

The Redhawks return to the floor in less than 24 hours to meet its third consecutive top 25 opponent in #10 Calvin on Saturday, Nov. 18. Opening tip is slated for 1 p.m.