After struggling a few nights ago, the UW-River Falls men's basketball team put together a terrific performance to take down UW-Stevens Point at home, 77-72.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair with Alex Ohde and Jake Reeck leading the offense early. As both teams continued to exchange buckets, the fireworks really got started at the 4:58 mark. Reeck nailed a shot from distance, but Pointers' guard Zach Mootz would make a three-point shot of his own a minute later. The Pointers hit another three yet another minute later, then Reeck responded with another three-point play with 19 seconds to go in the first half. Then, after a block by Ohde and a gather from Bryce Phillips, Austin Werdin beat the buzzer to tie things up at 34-34 heading into halftime.

The second half proved just as close with lead changes throughout the first few minutes. The Falcons' Werdin continued to make plays including a three pointer at 14:54 that created more momentum for the Falcons in the tight game. UW-RF got another three, this one from Regan Merritt, to take a 52 - 46 with 12 minutes left to go in the game.

That shot was then answered seconds later with the Pointers' Flory making a shot from long range, but then the Falcons defense was able to hold UW-SP scoreless for nearly two minutes. From there, the lead grew to as large as 13 points with Dylan Parker and Ross Ingersoll chipping in on the offensive side.

Things got tight when Flory made a three-pointer with 1:48 left to go in the game, followed by his teammate Peter Timmerman hitting one as well 30 seconds later. This cut the Falcons lead to 73-68. After hitting a few free throws to get within one, UW-SP fouled Ohde which proved to be the wrong player to foul. Calmly sinking both free throws, UW-RF forced a missed shot and Ohde put in two more free ones to set the final score at 77-72.

Ohde finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds, both game-highs. He has recorded a double-double in every game this season and continues to pace the WIAC in rebounds. Parker added 16 points while Werdin had 13.

The win brings the Falcons final regular season record to 4-3. The team is the #2 seed in the East and will host UW-Whitewater at home on Monday, March 1 in the first round of the WIAC tournament. Tipoff is set for 7pm.