Mackiewicz Leads Pioneers in Upset Attempt at No. 19 UW-Whitewater

WHITEWATER, Wis. – Junior Ella Mackiewicz scored a season-high 28 points in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team's game at No. 19 UW-Whitewater on Wednesday night in Kachel Gymnasium. The Pioneers' (8-9, 2-4 WIAC) attempt at an upset stayed within reach until the Warhawks (13-4, 3-3 WIAC) pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to win 67-50. 

UW-Whitewater pulled ahead 19-12 after the first quarter, but Mackiewicz drained a three with 3:23 left in the first half to cut the Warhawks lead to three, 26-23. UW-Platteville entered the locker room trailing 30-25, but UW-Whitewater scored the first four points of the second half to push their lead to near double-digits. 

Momentum shifted midway through the third when senior Brianna Prieve sunk a three-pointer that was immediately followed by another three by junior Lauren Sparks, narrowing the Warhawk's led to 41-39. The Pioneers were unable to eliminate UW-Whitewater's advantage entirely, and the home team went on to pull ahead to double-digits in the final 10 minutes, outscoring the Pioneers 17-7 in the fourth quarter. 

Mackiewicz added five boards, two steals, a block, and assist to her game-high 28 points. Senior Addison Baierl led the Pioneers with five rebounds and senior Macey Banasik had a team-high three assists. 

The Pioneers shot 35 percent (21-of-60) from the field, including 31.6 percent (6-of-19) from deep while the Warhawks shot 48.3 percent (28-of-58) from the floor and 35.3 percent (6-of-17) from beyond the arc. The Pioneers made 33.3 percent (2-of-6) of shots from the line while the Warhawks made 62.5 percent (5-of-8) of their free throws.  

UW-Platteville will return to action and Bo Ryan Court on Saturday, January 25 for Senior Night when they take on UW-Stout at 5 p.m.