Pioneers prevail over UW-Stout in overtime

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men’s basketball team defeated the UW-Stout Blue Devils 66-62 in an overtime thriller on Saturday in Menomonie, Wis.

Box Score

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Pioneers prevail over UW-Stout in overtime
January 16, 2016

MENOMONIE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team defeated the UW-Stout Blue Devils 66-62 in an overtime thriller on Saturday in Menomonie, Wis.

Freshman Robert Duax (Dubuque, IA) played well for the Pioneers, who improved to 7-8 on the season. Daux recorded 16 points, four rebounds and two steals in the win.

After getting off to a 6-0 start, the Pioneers launched to a 13-3 lead at the 15:47 mark, leading the rest of the way until the Blue Devils took over 24-22 with about five minutes remaining in the first half.

On a last-second lay-up by senior Boston Johnson (Oshkosh), the Pioneers sat within one at 29-28 at the break.

After a back-and-forth second half, a clutch three-pointer from freshman Ethan Woodrow (Veedersburg, Ind.) with 1:45 left to play in the game brought the Pioneers to a 56-54 lead heading into the final minute of play.

A Pioneer foul sent the Blue Devils to the free throw line for two crucial points, but the Blue Devils had no problem sinking both to tie the game at 56 with 1:28 left on the clock. With time winding down, the Blue Devils hailed a last chance three-pointer as the clock struck zero, but a missed opportunity took the game into overtime.

The competition continued into the five-minute overtime. The Blue Devils took the 59-58 lead with 3:21 left remaining in extra play, the Pioneers quickly responding with a Johnson jumper to take the 60-59 lead with 2:43 left to play.

From that point on, it was all UW-Platteville. Four key free throws came from sophomore Matt Oestreich (Marshfield) and two from Daux within the last two minutes of the game, boosting the Pioneers to the 66-62 overtime victory over the Blue Devils.

As a team, the Pioneers recorded a perfect free throw percentage, making 11 of 11 in the win, including six in overtime alone.

The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 20 against UW-Eau Claire at Williams Fieldhouse at 7 p.m.

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