Defensive effort leads Pioneers
Dec. 10, 2004
UW-Platteville turned in its best defensive effort in seven years when the Pioneers dumped host Wabash (Ind.) 58-35 Friday in the first round of the Pete Thorn Invitational.
The Pioneers advance to the championship game Saturday to face NAIA nationally-ranked Marian (Ind.) at 2 p.m. CST. Marian knocked off previously undefeated Wheaton (Ill.) in the first game.
UWP limited the Little Giants to 35 points, the lowest total since beating Lakeland 82-31 on Nov. 25, 1997 under then-coach Bo Ryan, who now leads the University of Wisconsin.
The Pioneers led 30-20 at the half, and then only allowed Wabash four baskets in the second half and none in the last 7:25.
Brad Reitzner and Mark Gossens led the Pioneer offensive attack with 14 and 10 points, respectively. Coach Paul Combs's club improved to 6-3 overall, while Wabash fell to 4-3.
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