Thu 14-Dec-2000

Cold night, hot shooting as Pointer men burn nets, La Crosse
Staff Reporter

LA CROSSE - When a team shoots 60 percent from the field and 95 percent from the free throw line, the chance of victory is nearly 100 percent.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point achieved both those numbers during a 79-58 victory at UW-La Crosse Wednesday night.

"When we shoot like that, we're pretty tough to operate against. I'll take those numbers any time," said Pointer coach Jack Bennett.

UW-SP hit 29-of-48 field goal attempts and a sizzling 18-of-19 free throws.

Josh Iserloth led the Pointers with 26 points and nine rebounds. He hit seven-of-10 shots and converted all 10 of his free throws.

Rich Steif came off the bench with 15 points and eight boards, hitting all seven of his field goal attempts.

Kalonji Kadima was the other Pointer in double figures with 10.

Defensively, the Pointers held La Crosse to 7-of-23 shooting from behind the 3-point line.

"We shut down their 3-point attack. This is a very potent 3-point shooting team. It was a really good team effort by everyone tonight," Bennett said. "We closed out to their shooters and got off screens quickly, and we played with high hands. We were able to disrupt their rhythm after they hit a couple of early shots."

Bennett said his team passed the ball extremely well. The Pointers racked up 14 assists.

The victory improves UW-SP's record to 9-1 overall and 2-1 in the WIAC. They face Wisconsin Lutheran College in the Sentry Classic Dec. 30th at the Quandt Fieldhouse.