MBB Preview: Stout to host Superior in WIAC Quarterfinal contest

GAME COVERAGE: Live Stats | WMEQ Radio | Ticket Information

THIS WEEK'S GAMES: The Blue Devils (19-6, 11-5 WIAC) will open up postseason play at home when they host UW-Superior (9-16, 5-11 WIAC), Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the first round of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Men's Basketball Championship. The 7 p.m. matchup between the third-seeded Blue Devils and the sixth-seeded Yellowjackets will take place at Johnson Fieldhouse and will be available via live stats and WMEQ Radio.

WIAC CHAMPIONSHIP: The WIAC's top six teams during the regular season advance to the WIAC Tournament. (#1) UW-Stevens Point and (#2) UW-Whitewater receive first round byes, while (#5) UW-Platteville will travel to (#4) UW-La Crosse on Tuesday. If Stout wins, they will travel to UW-Whitewater, Thursday, Feb. 21, and the winner of the other game will go to Stevens Point. If Superior wins, they will travel to Stevens Point, and the winner of the other game will go to Whitewater. | WIAC Men's Basketball Championship Website

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets will be sold at the door starting at 5:30 p.m. Everyone has to pay, although the first 200 UW-Stout students will receive free admission. No regular season passes are allowed, only WIAC-issued passes. Costs are as follows: $7 adults; $4 for senior citizens 62 and older;  $3 for students kindergarten through college

EDDIE ANDRIST INTERVIEWS: Throughout the season, Jimmie Kaska of Sports Radio 1400 AM will speak with men's basketball head coach Eddie Andrist. Listed are each of the interviews throughout the season. This week's Interview  |  Listen to Interviews

WEBCASTS: All WIAC tournament playoff games, home or away, will not be available in a live video stream due to regulations established by the conference.

NEWSLETTER: During the season, the Blue Devil coaching staff produces a newsletter offering additional insight into the programs. You can download the latest newsletter here.

THIS WEEK BY THE NUMBERS
14.5	Stout's average margin of victory over UW-Superior this regular season (69-54 at Superior; 92-78 at home).
23	Number of assists needed by Erik Olson to break Stout's single-season assist record (180, set in 1975 by Bill Rozakis)
2:15	Total game time for which UW-Superior held a lead against Stout this season (1:22 at Superior; 0:53 at Stout; 4 separate leads). Stout: held lead for 74:56.
3-0	Stout's all-time record at home in WIAC Tournament games.

THE BLUE DEVILS (19-6, 11-5 WIAC): Although it was a closer game than many would have predicted, Stout closed out their regular season with a win, Saturday afternoon, against Oshkosh. The Blue Devils shot a lackluster 35 percent from the field and had a -4 turnover margin (14-10), but escaped with a 59-57 win to end the season with sole possession of third place in the conference. As the #3 seed, the Blue Devils will host UW-Superior on Tuesday, which will be the third meeting between the teams this season. Stout won both prior meetings, each by a comfortable margin. First, Stout captured a 69-54 victory at Superior, and more recently grabbed a 92-78 win at home. The Blue Devils shot over 40 percent in each game and won the rebound battle in both, including a very decisive 46-29 margin at Johnson Fieldhouse. In that same game, Stout made a season-high 10 three-pointers. In the two games combined, Superior held a lead for a total of just two minutes and 16 seconds of gametime. The Yellowjackets held leads of 13 seconds and 1:09 at home, and held leads of 19 and 34 seconds at Stout. None of their four separate leads came after halftime, as Stout led the entire second half of both games. The following is a breakdown of the total 80 minutes of gametime between the two teams: Stout lead: 74:56; Superior lead: 2:15; Tie game: 2:49...The Blue Devils made strides from beyond the arc, Saturday, after some poor three-point shooting lately. After going a combined 7-for-56 (.125) in their previous four games, Stout shot 6-of-15 (.400) against Oshkosh. Much credit for the turnaround was due to Jarvis Ragland, who shot 3-of-4 from three, his only four shot attempts on the night...Stout has been dominant on the boards all season, maintaining a WIAC-best rebounding margin of +7.6, and overpowered the Titans for a 41-32 edge. The Blue Devils also boast one of the nation's best defenses, which was on display Saturday evening. Stout held Oshkosh to a 32 percent clip from the field for 47 points, both below Stout's average allowance this season. They now rank third in the nation in scoring defense (55.6 ppg) and eighth in field goal percentage allowed (.373). Erik Olson has had an historic season from the point guard position. Earlier this year, he surpassed Jeremy Leibfried's all-time Stout assist record of 358, and continues to increase his new record at a rapid pace. Now he has his sights set on Bill Rozakis' 38-year old single-season assist record of 180. Olson dished out six assists on Saturday and is not 23 dimes short of another Stout record. Olson's assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.04 is one of the best in all of DIII, and his 6.32 assists per game lead the WIAC by a healthy margin...Chris Hortman has been Stout's number one scoring option lately, having had at least a share of the team lead in scoring in 12 of the last 13 games. Hortman just recently passed Alex Oman for the team's leading scorer, although the margin is slim. Hortman has scored two more points than Oman this season (361-359), both totals resulting in a scoring average of 14.4 points per game, putting them in a tie for third in the conference in scoring. The only two WIAC players ahead of the duo are Chas Cross of Platteville (15.6 ppg) and Jarrod Peterson of Superior (15.3 ppg), meaning three of the conference's top four scorers will enter Johnson Fieldhouse on Tuesday. Hortman not only leads the team in scoring now, but also pulls down a team-high 5.7 rebounds per contest. Together, Oman and Hortman combine to take over 45 percent of Stout's field goal attempts, and collectively provide 44 percent of Stout's points...Jarvis Ragland, who is best recognized from his rim-rocking dunks, ranks third in scoring with an average of 9.7 points per game, while Aaron Jenny is averaging 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. | 2012-13 Statistics

STOUT'S WIAC TOURNAMENT HISTORY: In the tournament's 14-year history, Stout's overall record in WIAC Tournament games is 6-11. In first-round matchups, they are 4-7, but are 3-0 in home games. Stout has made the tournament just once since the field was cut to six teams for the 2008-09 season. Stout hosted UW-Platteville, for the first round in 2010, defeating them, 75-74, when Jerrel Enerson-Matthews hit a three-pointer as time expired. Stout has never played a WIAC Tournament game against UW-Superior, who has the worst winning percentage (.286) in WIAC tournament games among the nine league members. | All-time WIAC Tournament Results

A PLACE IN THE RECORD BOOKS: Erik Olson already broke Stout's all-time career assists record, and now has his sights set on another coveted assist record. After breaking Jeremy Leibfried's career record total of 358 assists back in December, Olson is now chasing Stout's single-season assist record of 180, set by Bill Rozakis during the 1974-75 season. Olson currently has 158 assists, and whether or not he gets to 180 will depend heavily how far Stout can advance in the postseason.

STOUT'S LAST TIME OUT:  UW-Stout shrugged off a sluggish performance in the final regular season game to hang on for a 49-47 win over UW-Oshkosh Saturday at Johnson Fieldhouse. The game was not a good tune-up for tournament time. Stout shot 35.3 percent (18-51) from the floor for the game, missing many layup opportunities throughout the game. Stout's biggest lead of the game over the last place Titans was eight points a couple of times in the first half. Oshkosh cut the lead to 23-20 at halftime. But the Titans, behind Cory Nickel, came at the Blue Devils in the second half. Nickel scored 16 of his game-high 24 ponts after the break. While Stout never trailed during the game, Oshkosh tied the game three times late in the game. Stout took the lead for good on a layup by Alex Oman at 1:17. It would be the final points of the game. Chris Hortman led Stout with 13 points. Erik Olson, Oman, and Jarvis Ragland, who shot 3-of-4 from deep, each scored nine points. | Story and Stats

PLAYERS TO WATCH
UW-Stout
#4 - Erik Olson, PG, 5-10, 160	23 assists shy of single-season record
#3 - Chris Hortman, F, 6-3, 190	Led team in scoring in 12 of last 13 games
UW-Superior
#13 - Jarrod Peterson, G, 6-1, 190	15.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .384 3-pt%, 26 steals
#55 - Bronson Byrne, C, 7-0, 295	11.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, WIAC-high 48 blocks

SCOUTING UW-SUPERIOR (9-16, 5-11 WIAC): If UW-Superior's defense does not improve quickly and dramatically, their postseason run could be short-lived. Through their 25 regular season games, the Yellowjackets have allowed a conference-worst 75 points per game and have allowed at least 80 points on nine occasions and at least 90 points five times, including their most recent trip to Johnson Fieldhouse. They also struggle in the rebounding category, and currently have a rebounding margin of -1.6. Superior has lost their past three games and have allowed at least 83 points in their past two. Superior's resume is hardly impressive this season, but does include a win over UW-Whitewater, who enjoy a first-round bye, Tuesday, as the #2 seed in the tournament. Jarrod Peterson has been the anchor of the 'Jackets' offense, averaging 15.3 points per game, which is the second best average in the WIAC. Peterson is trigger-happy from beyond the arc, as he should be, boasting a .384 clip from three. Peterson also leads the team with 5.6 rebounds per game and has recorded 26 steals. Brendan Bauer, the only Yellowjacket to start every game this season, is averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Bronson Byrne trails only Peterson with 11.5 points per game and pulls down 4.9 rebounds per contest. Byrne, standing seven feet tall, has 48 blocks on the season, six more than the second highest total in the WIAC. Johnquez Brooks runs the offense from the point guard position, averaging 3.61 assists per game, and is a viable option from three, shooting .404. Austin Cahil has made 33 of his 78 three-point attempts (.423), the fourth best rate in the WIAC. | 2012-13 Statistics

UW-SUPERIOR'S LAST TIME OUT: The Yellowjackets gave UW-La Crosse a run for their money, Saturday at Mitchell Hall, but fell to the Eagles, 83-79. Trailing 63-54, the Yellowjackets went on a 10-2 run to pull within one point. After La Crosse pushed their lead back to seven, Superior went on a 9-3 run, culminating with an Austin Cahil three pointer that cut the lead to two with 0:08 on the clock. Luke Tweed was able to hit a pair of free throws to seal the game. Tweed and Lucas Collom each had 20 points for La Crosse while Jarrod Peterson led the 'Jackets with 18 points. | Story and Stats

THE SERIES: Stout leads the series, 116-101. Superior has won four of the past six meetings, but Stout handily won both meetings this season. Stout's 116 wins in this series are the most over any WIAC opponent. Tuesday's game is the first postseason meeting between these two programs.

STOUT VS. SUPERIOR THIS SEASON: UW-Stout won both meetings between these teams this season, both by a comfortable margin. On December 5, point guard Erik Olson's all-time Stout assists record overshadowed Stout's 69-54 victory over the Yellowjackets. Stout led nearly the whole game, after four lead changes in the first two minutes. Superior kept it close initially, but with the score tied 9-9 about four minutes in, Stout would go on a 12-2 run that put them up for good. Turnovers would prove to play a huge role in the game, as Stout was able to force the Yellow Jackets into 15, including 10 steals. The Blue Devils turned the ball over only six times in comparision. The Blue Devils also outrebounded the Yellow Jackets, 39-33 overall and 12-6 on the offensive end. | Story and Stats | Stout and Superior met again on January 30, and again Olson dominated the headlines. Olson's 23 points and eight assists helped Stout to a 92-78 victory over they Yellowjackets. Olson shot 6-of-11 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. To begin the game, Stout went on a 13-0 run in the first five minutes. The Blue Devils' defense forced Superior into three turnovers during the run, and caused them to miss their first four shots. But the Yellowjackets battled back, and an 11-2 run midway through the period gave them their first lead of the game, a 25-24 margin following a Jarrod Peterson three pointer. Stout answered right back, however, with a 13-2 run of their own, resulting in a 10-point lead they were able to take into halftime. The second half was a shootout, as both teams shot 45 percent from the field, and both shot at least 53 percent from three point land. Stout increased their 10-point halftime lead to 14 points, two mintues into the half, but Superior was able to whittle it down to six with eight minutes to play. Olson hit a three followed shortly by two free throws to put the lead back at 11, but again Superior shot their way back into the game. A jumper and a three-pointer by Peterson on back-to-back possessions cut their deficit to six, and Brendan Bauer hit a jumper to make it a four-point game with five minutes to play. That, however, would be as close as the 'Jackets would get. Stout used efficient possessions and free throws to seal the game. In the final three minutes, the Blue Devils shot 14-of-15 from the free throw line and missed just one shot from the field. | Story and Stats

	Stout	Superior	Stout	Superior
	Dec. 5, Superior, Wis.		Jan. 30, Menomonie, Wis.
Score	69	54	92	78
FG	.438	.360	.419	.452
3-pt FG	.188	.308	.435	.440
Rebounds	39	33	46	29
Turnovers	6	15	12	11
Time with Lead	37:27	1:22	37:29	0:53
Leading Scorer	Alex Oman (20)	Bronson Byrne (14)	Erik Olson (23)	Brooks (18), Peterson (18)

THE COACHES:  UW-Stout:  Eddie Andrist (166-159 at Stout, 414-350 overall) is in his 13th year as the coach of the Blue Devils, and his 23rd overall in the collegiate ranks.  Andrist led the Blue Devils to their first NCAA Division III appearance five seasons ago when Stout advanced to the second round. Andrist coached at Mount Senario for 11 seasons and won three national championships. Andrist spent two stints coaching international basketball, working with the country of Qatar. | UW-Superior: Paul Eberhardt is in his first season as the head coach of the Yellowjackets, as he replaces Matt Siverling, who resigned in May to accept the head coaching job at UW-Eau Claire. Eberhardt makes the move to Superior from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa, where he served as the Athletic Director and Dean of Students. His coaching experience includes assistant positions with Winona State University and UW-River Falls, followed by eight years as the head coach at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.

UP NEXT: With a win, Stout will travel to second-seeded UW-Whitewater, Thursday, Feb. 21 for a semifinal matchup with the Warhawks. With a loss, they will need an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament for their season to extend.