Pioneers fall to #23 Luther

UW-Platteville fell 83-64 to undefeated and nationally ranked Luther College Tuesday in Deborah, Iowa.

The Norse led 38-32 at halftime, then used a 29-18 third-quarter advantage to pull away from the Pioneers. Luther, 23rd in the D3hoops.com preseason poll, shot 54 percent in the second half, improving its season record to 3-0. 

The Pioneers, 1-3 on the year, were led by Elisa Bilderback with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Morgan Horstman added 13 points. Coach Megan Wilson used 16 players, helping the young Pioneers gain valuable game experience. Anna Madrigal led four Luther players in double figures with a career-high 22 points, making 4-8 three-point attempts. 

UW-Platteville returns to the court Saturday, making the short trip to Dubuque, Iowa to face Loras at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, the Pioneers begin a stretch on six home games in seven contests, playing Coe at 7 p.m.

By Paul Erickson, Director, University Information and Communications