Pioneers make it a perfect 10
December 20, 2008
A day after final exams ended in the classroom, UW-Platteville scored a perfect 10 on its basketball court, beating the University of Dubuque 71-50. The third-ranked Pioneers improved to 10-0 for the first time since 1997-98.
"It's sort of a trap game because you have a full week to prepare for finals, and all of a sudden you have a game on Saturday," said guard Mike Shaw, who had 18 points off the bench. "I think we're the only students on campus, the only students in town. We just had to focus."
The Pioneers broke open a three-point game with an 18-6 run over the final eight minutes of the first half, taking a 38-23 lead. After the Spartans sliced the lead to 40-27, the Pioneers scored seven straight points. Kyle Tetschlag put back an offensive rebound, then Curt Hanson made a three-point basket and a tip-in for a 47-27 advantage. The Spartans never came within 16 the rest of the way.
Center Jeff Skemp led the Pioneers with 23 points, surpassing 20 for the sixth time this season. The all-American also moved into 21st on the Pioneer career scoring list with 1,124 points.
Shaw made three of four three-point baskets and seven of eight free throws for his 18 points. Tetschlag added 10 points for the Pioneers, who converted 16 Dubuque turnovers into 23 points.
Michael Okpalaeze scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Spartans, while Josh Bellaire made 6-7 shots and finished with 12 points. Those two and starter Demarvis Russell transfered across the city from Clarke to University of Dubuque, helping the Spartans to an 8-3 start.
"They're a great team," Shaw said. "They're 8-2 (before the game), and we knew they were going to come in here and try and beat us on our home floor. Now I'm just excited to get home for Christmas break and be with my family."
After the holiday, the Pioneers face 6-2 Carthage at the St. Norbert tournament Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. The hosts face St. Scholastica in the other semifinal. The consolation and championship games are the next night.
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