Pioneers Roll To Win Over MSOE Friday

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team (2-5) opened its weekend with a 72-43 win at the UW-La Crosse Thanksgiving Classic on Friday evening against MSOE (0-4) inside Mitchell Hall.

Freshman Ella Mackiewicz scored the first four points of the game to give the Pioneers the early advantage, but the Raiders took seven-point lead behind a 9-0 run midway through the first quarter. Mackiewicz knocked down a jumper in the closing seconds of the quarter to put UW-Platteville within five at 13-8 after one. The Pioneers opened the second quarter with a 9-2 to run to regain the lead and scored another nine unanswered to extend the lead to 26-18. UW-Platteville continued its strong play before halftime and held a 33-22 advantage at the break.

The Pioneers maintained a double-digit lead throughout the third quarter, outscoring MSOE 23-10 to lead 56-32 heading into the final frame. UW-Platteville's defense forced several turnovers and scored in transition to take the 24-point lead. Three-point shooting highlighted the fourth quarter for the Pioneers, as four different players knocked down triples across the first seven minutes. After a pair of jumpers in the final minute, UW-Platteville picked up a 72-43 win over the Raiders.

Three Pioneers finished in double figures with Mackiewicz pacing the team with 14 points while collecting her first career double-double with 10 rebounds. The freshman also put together an impressive defensive performance, tallying eight steals. Senior Allison Heckert added 12 points, while junior Sarah Mueller finished with 10. The Pioneers shot 52.0 percent (26-of-50) from the floor and 38.1 percent (8-of-21) from beyond the arc.

Raekyiah Williams and Regan Madonia led the Raiders with 12 points each while Mahima Chokshi added 11. MSOE shot 37.0 percent (20-of-54) from the field and 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from deep.

The Pioneers remain in La Crosse and will face UW-Superior tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offing 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.