Flying Dutchmen too much for men’s basketball

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team fell to the 6-1 Hope College Flying Dutchmen 79-69 on Saturday in Holland, Mich. 

Freshman Ethan Woodrow played well in the loss, logging a season-high 21 points for the Pioneers, who fell to 5-4 on the season. 

After leading by four in the beginning of the first half, the Pioneers quickly found themselves down 11 before battling back to bring the score within seven, 41-34, at the end of the first half. 

Starting the second half strong with a Blake Derickson jump shot, the Pioneers continued to push to try and shrink the margin. After a quick four points from Woodrow, the Pioneers were within six with about 15 minutes to go in the game. 

After a couple free throws from sophomore Trey Sigel, the Pioneers brought in the defense with a block and a couple defensive rebounds from junior Cory Vaassen, who then traveled down the court to drain a three-pointer to put the Pioneers within three. 

With a foul on Hope, Woodrow was send to the free throw line, making both to bring the score to 50-49, the Flying Dutchmen still leading. 

As the battle continued throughout the second half, senior guard Boston Johnson tied the game 58-58 after getting fouled on a made jump shot to put him on the free throw line to complete the three-point play.

With four minutes left in the game, a foul and turnover by the Pioneers would put Hope up 71-65. With a hard fought attempt to shrink the margin, the Pioneers weren't enough to stop the Flying Dutchmen, who took the win 79-69. 

The Pioneers return to action and travel south to face McMurry University on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas at 4 p.m. 

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu