Men's Basketball Pulls Off Last Second Victory

Written by: Jeremy Williamson, Sports Information Student Assistant

MENOMONIE, Wis. -- With seconds remaining, it was junior forward, Jake Manning, who put the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers above WIAC foe UW-Stout, 60-59, Saturday at Johnson Fieldhouse.

There was 11 seconds remaining as the Blue Devils held a 59-57 lead, when Manning made his way to the basket for an easy basket and an and-one follow up. As Manning sunk the game winning free-throw, the Pioneers left Stout with a WIAC victory and an improved 13-5 overall record.

Manning led all scorers with 23 points, going 10-13 from the field, with nine rebounds. Senior forward Jim Stocki was the closest point producer with 14, and freshman guard Matt Oestreich followed with 12. 

The game started off in favor of the Pioneers as they jumped out to a 10-point lead, 20-10, at the 12:03 mark.

The Blue Devils rallied with an 11-point run, all within the paint, to close the gap.

The Pioneers manage to tack on 17 points, 27-29, before the half, but blew plenty of rebounding opportunities ending the first period of play.

Besides the four-point lead the Blue Devils obtained at the beginning of the second half, the score was never greater than three points, favoring either team.

Trading baskets the entire second half, it was clutch free throw shots by junior Boston Johnson at 1:25 left, which tied the game at 55.

After a layup by Blue Devils' De'Marcco sent the opponent up by two, 57-55, junior Cory Vaassen tied it up with a lay-up.

After a costly foul by the Pioneers, the Blue Devils took a 60-59 lead with 34 seconds remaining, until Manning drove down the court for a lay-up and an and-one to bring the Pioneers their 13th victory of the year and sixth in the WIAC (13-5,6-3).

The Pioneers take the court again on Jan. 28 at Bo Ryan Court against No. 2 UW-Whitewater at 7 p.m.