Late Run Propels Pioneers over Titans

Photo by: Steve Frommell, UW-Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team used a 24-11 run in the final 8 minutes of the game to knock off defending WIAC champion UW-Oshkosh, 74-68, in Oshkosh Wednesday night. The match-up was the season opener for both teams. Forward Maiah Domask (Sr. / Waupun Wis.), led a trio of Pioneer scorers in double figures with 18.

Trailing 57-50, one minute into the 4th quarter, Platteville head coach Kelly McNiff called a timeout.

"I thought we looked flustered and all momentum had shifted to Oshkosh," said McNiff, "we regrouped, called a set ,and ran it almost to perfection."

Aspyn Stewart (Jr. / Stockton, Ill.) knocked down a corner 3-pointer out of the timeout sparking a 10-2 run over the next 2:30. The two teams would trade baskets over the next 5 minutes until a Taylor Gilbert (Jr. / Kingston, Ill.) three-pointer with 1:24 remaining gave Platteville a 67-66 advantage. The Pioneers would never trail again, converting on 5-of-7 free throws in the final minute to secure the victory.

Gilbert finished a career night with 15 points on 6-7 FG shooting while also pulling down 5 rebounds.

Both teams struggled to score out of the gates, with only four points being scored by each team nearly the first five minutes into the contest. A Jai Clemons (Sr. / Chicago, Ill.) driving lay-up put Platteville up 11-8 at the first media timeout with 3:18 remaining in the first. Oshkosh was able to re-group and outscore the Pioneers 6-3 and end the quarter with the teams tied at 14-14.

The 2nd quarter saw the lead change 5 times and be tied on two other occasions. A three-point play by Leah Porath on the Titans' last possession of the half opened up a 33-29 for lead for Oshkosh at halftime, the biggest advantage held by either team to that point. Oshkosh's full court pressure proved troublesome to navigate in the first half as they forced 10 Pioneer turnovers.

The Titans would remain in control throughout the 3rd quarter, never relinquishing the lead but never being able to pull away either. A three-pointer from Lily Guerra (Fr. / Yorkville, Ill.) briefly tied the game at 48, but Oshkosh would score the final two buckets to finish the frame leading 52-48.

A quick 5-2 run by the Titans to begin the 4th gave the Titans their biggest lead of the game at 7 and prompted McNiff's momentum changing timeout.

"I'm proud of our team for the composure they showed tonight," said McNiff. We were able to make adjustments and settle in. Our team motto this year is "Finish" and we were able to do just that in our first game of the season."

Caitlyn Tipton (Sr. / Rosendale, Wis.) scored 13 points, 10 in the 2nd half, in her return to action after missing the majority of last season due to injury. Free throw shooting, a trouble spot for the Pioneers last season, was their turning point on Wednesday night. Platteville shot 18-23 from the charity stripe, outscoring Oshkosh by 9.

The two teams will face each other again on Friday, this time in Platteville. Gametime is set for 7 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, fans will not be allowed in Williams Fieldhouse but can catch all of the action at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/uwplatt/.