Pioneers Beat Augustana, 68-53, to Stay Perfect at Home

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville used a 42-point first-half surging past Augustan, 68-53, on Wednesday night in Williams Fieldhouse on Bo Ryan Court.

The Pioneers improved 3-0 in the friendly confines of Bo Ryan Court for the first time since the 2009-10 season when UW-Platteville started 4-0 at home.

Junior Kim Wellnitz led the Pioneers with a game-high 17 points, while senior Elizabeth Lawinger and sophomore Alyssa Krajco added 12 apiece.  Lawinger recorded a game-high four assists and three steals.

The Vikings' Gianna Pecora netted a team-high 12 points and two steals, followed by Jessica Baids with 10 points. Marissa Pezzopane and Molly Etheridge each scored seven points.

In a back and forth first quarter of the first-half the Pioneers went on a five-minute 13-2 run to take a 24-13 lead at the 9:37 mark. UW-Platteville ended the half scoring seven unanswered points taking a commanding 42-24 lead into the break. 

The Pioneers shot over 55 percent (17-30) in the first-half for the first time since Feb. 10, 2010 versus UW-Whitewater when UW-Platteville went 16-24 (66.7%).  The Pioneers scored 16 points off 12 Augie turnovers to help give UW-Platteville its first double-digit lead at halftime since last year's season opener when they were up 34-17 on Milliken.

The Pioneers kept the heat on Augustana in the opening part of the second-half as UW-Platteville took its largest lead of the game of 23 points, 47-24, at the 18:44 mark. The Vikings (3-5) managed to get their deficit under 15 points, 59-14, with 6:32 left to play. UW-Platteville kept the Vikings at bay in the final six and a half minutes, earning the 68-53 victory.

The Pioneers (4-6) return to WIAC play on Saturday when they travel to UW-Oshkosh. Tip is set for 3 p.m. at Albee Hall.