Pioneers Lose to Finlandia, 66-65

A 15-1 run late in the second half led visiting Finlandia University to a 66-65 win over host University of Wisconsin-Platteville in men's basketball action on Saturday night in Platteville, Wisconsin.

The Pioneers (3-2) erased an early 12-point deficit with a 20-1 run in the first half that put UW-Platteville in front by seven with 2:18 left to play in the first 20 minutes. In the loss, senior Brett Stangel scored a game-high 17 points and junior Rob Stallion tied a career-high with 12.

The Lions (1-3) were trailing 53-49 with 8:43 to play before hitting three-straight 3 pointers on three-consecutive possesions for its first lead since the 5:08 mark of the first half. Keith Arnold led Finlandia with 15 points, he was joined in double figures by Jonathaon Moore and Chase Leskela, who each added 14.

Three times in the final 3:33, UW-Platteville managed to cut the Finlandia lead to one. Stangel hit two free throws with 15 seconds to play. After a foul by the Pioneers, Stallion grabbed the rebound and UW-Platteville set up for a game-winning shot. A dribble drive from the wing by senior B.J. Litz fell just short and the Lions came away with the victory.

The Pioneers will return to action on Sunday at 3 p.m., when they host Wisconsin Lutheran in the final game of the UW-Platteville Thanksgiving Classic. The 1 p.m. game will be the 'unofficial' championship game as WIAC member UW-Superior takes on Finlandia.