Pioneers Unable to Overcome Eagles Long Range Shooting

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team (11-8, 4-4 WIAC) jumped out to an early lead Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell 79-64 to UW-La Crosse (11-8, 4-4 WIAC) on Bo Ryan Court.

Although the Pioneers took a 15-7 lead in the first quarter, UW-La Crosse went on to shoot 52 percent (13-of-25) from beyond the arc in the game. After starting the day 1-of-15 from three-point territory in the first half, the Pioneers diverged from a long-range game of their own in the second half. Unfortunately for the Pioneers, the Eagles' shooting stayed hot and they went on to make 7-of-11 three-point shots in the second half which propelled them to the win.

Back-to-back layups by senior Sarah Mueller gave the Pioneers their largest lead of the night, 15-7, with 2:17 left in the first quarter. The Eagles finished the quarter with back-to-back three-pointers but a second chance layup by sophomore Lauren Sparks finished the quarter and left the Pioneers with a 19-13 lead at the quarter break. With 3:30 left in the first half and behind three unanswered three-point baskets, the Eagles took over the lead from the Pioneers.

UW-Platteville cut the Eagles' lead to 39-34 at halftime thanks to junior Brianna Prieve draining a three-pointer to close out the first half, but UW-La Crosse did not slow down and added three-more long range baskets in the first four minutes of the second half. The Eagles went on to score 12-of-22 points in the third from behind the arc and maintained its double-digit lead for much of the fourth quarter.

Three Pioneers finished in double digits with sophomore Ella Mackiewicz scoring a game-high 20 points, her fourth game of the season with 20 or more points. Mueller added 17 points and junior Brynlee Nelson finished the day with 14 points. Nelson and junior Barb Kling tied with six rebounds apiece. Mackiewicz also added a career-high five assists in the game plus two steals and blocks.

UW-Platteville shot 38.1 percent (24-of-63) on the night and 15 percent (3-of-20) from three-point territory. The Pioneers made 13-of-17 from the free throw line, with Mackiewicz making 8-of-9.

The Eagles had four players finish in double figures with Kailee Meeker leading the way with 17 points. Lauryn Milne pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds. UW-La Crosse finished the day 27-of-57 (47.4 percent), making 13-of-25 (52 percent) from beyond the arc.

The Pioneers will return to action on Wednesday, January 31 when they travel to UW-Eau Claire with tip-off schedule for 7 p.m.