Pioneers Shut Down UW-Eau Claire, 53-36

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team (12-8, 5-4 WIAC) held UW-Eau Claire (10-10, 4-5 WIAC) to a season-low points, defeating the Blugolds 53-36 in Zorn Arena.  The victory marks the Pioneers' first win over UW-Eau Claire since 2019 as the Blugolds had won the previous nine meetings. 

With Wednesday's win, the Pioneers have now held a conference opponent to 36 points or fewer in back-to-back seasons with UW-Platteville holding UW-Oshkosh to just 35 last season. 

Sophomore Ella Mackiewicz's layup and junior Brynlee Nelson's three-point shot kickstarted the Pioneers' 9-2 run to start the game. Mackiewicz hit another three with 4:23 remaining in the first to give the Pioneers their first double-digit lead of the night. 

UW-Platteville led 21-13 at the quarter break, but the Blugolds attempted an early comeback, scoring the first six points of the second quarter to pull within two of the lead. The Pioneers answered the run with nine unanswered points of their own to break out to a 30-21 advantage at halftime. 

The Pioneers kept the energy alive in the second half with back-to-back three-point baskets by senior Sarah Mueller and junior Macey Banasik starting a 10-0 opening run. UW-Platteville dominated the remaining part of the game, and broke out to as much as a 53-33 lead with three minutes left in the game. 

Mackiewicz finished the day her second double-double of the season, putting up a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Pioneer also accounted for four of the Pioneers' 10 steals. Sophomore Madalyn Reichmann also finished the night in double digits with 11 points. 

The Pioneers shot 31.1 percent (19-of-61) from the field and 27.3 percent (9-of-33) from beyond the arc. UW-Platteville was also a perfect 6-of-6 from the foul line. 

Kylie Mogen paced the Blugolds with seven points while Evelyn Walker pulled down 13 rebounds. UW-Eau Claire shot 20.8 percent (11-of-53) and 25 percent (5-of-20) from three point territory. 

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, February 3 when they host UW-River Falls at 3 p.m. It's Pink Out in recognition of breast cancer awareness and National Women and Girls in Sports Day recognition with all women and girls receiving free admission with a jersey. 

*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 offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.