Women beat Falcons, earn first WIAC tourny home game ever

Written by: Jeremy Williamson, Sports Information Assistant

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- Earning their first ever WIAC tournament home game, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team beat the Falcons of UW-River Falls, 87-82, at Bo Ryan Court on Saturday night.

It was also senior night for the women, as they were honored for their careers here at UW-Platteville following the game.

The six seniors include Stacy Clark, Keeley Schulz, Alyssa Krajco, Taylor Buckmaster and Rachel Cropp.

The Pioneers started off the game trailing 7-0 in the first two minutes.

The Pioneers first lead of the night came at 13:12 as Krajco battled down low to hit a layup with an and-one opportunity. After she hit her free throw the women lead 14-12.

Krajco finished the game with 18 points, shooting 4-for-13 from the field and 10-for-14 from the free throw line, to go along with a team-high eight rebounds.

After the Falcons tied it up at 14, one-of-two ensuing Krajco free throws put the Pioneers back up 15-14.

Following a five point deficit, 25-20, with under eight minutes to play in the period, Cropp hit a three to bring the game within two points, 25-23.

Cropp finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, shooting 3-for-7 from the field.

Over the first 12 minutes of the game, the Pioneers went 9-18 from the field, 3-3 from three-point range and 2-3 from the free throw line.

It was Cropp who tied the game up at 27 with a pair of free throws just under the eight minute mark.

With under five minutes left in the first period, the Pioneers took the lead once again, after a basket by Cropp, 31-29.

Clark expanded the lead with a nice hook shot in the paint to bring the Pioneers up by four, 33-29.

Clark hit her second three of the night to bring the Pioneers their biggest lead so far at five, 36-31.

At the end of the first period it was Clark again with the finish from a nice Cropp dish to send the Pioneers into the locker room up by three, 42-39.

Clark led all scorers on the night with 26, shooting 9-for-13 from the field, with six rebounds and three assists.

The Falcons started the second half on a 5-1 run to take an early lead, 44-43.

Cropp hit a baseline jumper just over the 16 minute mark, followed by a Krajco basket moments later to expand on the Pioneer lead, 53-46

Halfway through the second period Keeley Schulz hit an open three to bring the Pioneers' lead to six, 65-59.

The Pioneers took their largest lead of the night after a pair of Taylor Lorbiecki free throws, 82-70, with under two minutes remaining.

The Falcons attempted to rally with the seconds running out, but the Pioneers did enough to end senior night with an 87-82 victory.

The women begin conference tournament play on Feb. 25 with a first round home game against UW-Stevens Point at Bo Ryan Court.