Pioneers win Lopata Classic, Shields tournament MVP

ST. LOUIS, MO. - University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball defeated Washington University in St. Louis 64-62 in the championship game of the 35th Annual Lopata Classic Saturday at the WU Field House in St. Louis.

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Pioneers win Lopata Classic, Shields tournament MVP
December 1, 2018

ST. LOUIS, MO. - University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball defeated Washington University in St. Louis 64-62 in the championship game of the 35th Annual Lopata Classic Saturday after beating Alma 88-61 Friday night in St. Louis. 

Quentin Shields earned the Robert L. Burnes Most Valuable Player Award, and he was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Clay Gerds. 

In the win over Alma, UW-Platteville shot 43.9 percent (29-of-66) from the field, 50 percent (9-of-18) from 3-point range and 91.3 percent (21-of-23) from the free throw line.

Four Pioneers scored in the doule digits against Alma; Shields (15), Carter Voelker (14), Gerds (12) and Robert Duax (12). Gerds tallied a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

On Saturday night, the Pioneers built a 33-17 halftime lead and outshot the Bears from the field 46.7 percent to 20 percent in the first half. 

Behind Shields' 14 second half points, the Pioneers were able to hold on to their lead. The Pioneers shot an efficient 6-of-11 from 3-point range in the second half. 

Shields finished the game with 21 points and Duax added 12 points. Gerds led the team with nine rebounds and three assists. 

The Pioneers return home to host Cardinal Stritch Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 7 PM.

Photos by Danny Reise/WUSTL Photos