Pioneers Drop Contest To Luther Tuesday

DECORAH, Iowa – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball (1-3) team fell 62-56 in a close contest to Luther (3-0) on Tuesday evening inside the Luther Field House.

Luther connected on a pair of threes midway through the first quarter to take a six-point lead at 10-4. The Norse's lead reached as many as eight in the opening frame but a Pioneers three by senior Allison Heckert with just two seconds left cut the score to 20-15 entering the second. UW-Platteville took the lead early in the second behind an 8-0 run capped by a triple by sophomore Macey Banasik. Both teams remained close for the remainder of the half, and Luther entered the break with a 38-36 advantage.

The defense was strong in the third, with UW-Platteville outscoring Luther 9-8 to trail the Norse 46-45 after three quarters. Luther pulled ahead by six early in the fourth, but the Pioneers kept the game close, sinking six free throws to tie the game at 53. The Norse extended the lead back to five and held on for a 62-56 victory.

Junior Sarah Mueller led the Pioneers with 12 points while Heckert added nine points. Sophomore Brynlee Nelson and freshman Blair Watters tied for the team lead in rebounds with seven apiece. UW-Platteville was strong from the line, connecting on 78.9 percent (15-of-19).

Four players finished in double figures for Luther, with Lizzie Kauls leading the way with 16 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting. She added 11 rebounds for the double-double. The Norse shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47) from the field.

The Pioneers host Bethany Lutheran on Saturday, Nov. 19 with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m.