Pioneers top Luther in overtime

Boston Johnson made two free throws with seven seconds remaining in overtime, lifting UW-Platteville to a 75-73 win over Luther College Tuesday in Deborah, Iowa.

Johnson had tied the contest at 73 with a free throw with 55 seconds remaining. The Pioneers then forced a turnover with 25 seconds left and worked the clock down to the final seconds. Johnson was fouled and made both free throws. Luther then missed a potential tying shot at the buzzer.

The Pioneers improved to 3-2 on the season, with two of the three wins coming in extra periods. The Norse fell to 0-4.

Dan Lowe led the Pioneers with 20 points, while Matt Oestreich added 18, and Cory Vaassen had 13 points and 9 rebounds. Christian Wright topped Luther with 18 points. 

Lowe had given the Pioneers a 71-68 lead with two free throws late in regulation, but Luther's Kevin Stafford nailed a three-point shot with 19 seconds left to force overtime. The game was tied eight times, and only once did either team hold a six-point lead.

The Pioneers return to action Sunday, playing host to Coe College at 3 p.m.

By Paul Erickson, Director, University Information and Communications