Pearson Breaks Scoring Record, Pioneers Win Behind Late Surge

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Senior Logan Pearson became the Pioneers all-time leading scorer as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team (14-1, 4-0 WIAC) rallied from a nine-point second half deficit to beat UW-Eau Claire (9-6, 1-3 WIAC) 79-68 on Wednesday night inside Williams Fieldhouse.

Pearson entered the contest needing 12 points to break the Pioneers career scoring record held by Mike Ehler, who scored 1863 points from 1980-84. With a jumper at the 17:50 mark of the second half, Pearson surpassed Ehler to become the all-time leading scorer, and he finished the contest with 21 points, putting him at a new program-high of 1873 points.

Three other Pioneers joined Pearson in double figures in the win, with junior Joey Fuhremann putting together an efficient performance of 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Junior Max Love added 12 points, while senior Ben Probst knocked down a pair of first half threes to finish with 11 points.

UW-Eau Claire led for almost the entirety of the first half and took a slight 39-35 lead into the break while shooting 50.0 percent (16-of-32) from the floor. That lead grew to nine right out of halftime behind a quick three-point make and a layup, and the Blugolds maintained a multi-possession advantage until a five-point run by the Pioneers made it 50-48 with 14:29 to play.

Senior Brady Olson handed UW-Platteville its first lead since early in the first half with a three-point make following a Pearson pass with 8:36 remaining, but the two teams traded baskets for the ensuing minutes. Four free throw makes by junior Miles Hettinger put the Pioneers ahead for good with 7:36 on the clock, and a 10-2 run in favor of UW-Platteville made it 75-66 with under four to play. Pearson scored the final four points for the Pioneers, and the defense held the Blugolds to just two points across the final four minutes.

UW-Platteville shot 48.3 percent (28-of-58) for the game and 30.4 percent (7-of-23) from beyond the arc. The Pioneers continued to be fantastic from the free throw line, finishing a perfect 16-of-16, the third time this season the team has not missed an attempt from the stripe.

Pearson and Fuhremann tied for the Pioneer lead in rebounds with six apiece, while Love dished out a team-high four assists. On the defensive end, Pearson came away with three steals.

Behind 28 points from Carter Huschka and 17 points from Andre Renta, the Blugolds finished at 49.0 percent (25-of-51) from the field and 25.0 percent (6-of-24) from deep. UW-Eau Claire was also very effective from the line, finishing 12-of-14 (85.7 percent).

The Pioneers hit the road on Saturday evening to take on UW-River Falls at 5 p.m.