Nelson Leads Pioneers Second Half Surge at UW-Stevens Point

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team's (8-13, 2-8 WIAC) second half rally fell short as UW-Stevens Point (15-6, 5-5 WIAC) used a 10-point halftime lead as a safety net to secure a 59-54 win. Senior Brynlee Nelson matched her career-high 20 points, including 13 points in the Pioneers second half comeback.

In the first half, the Pointers took an early lead, but the Pioneers kept the lead within one-possession for most of the first quarter until a quick 7-1 run at the end of the first frame gave UW-Stevens Point an 18-11 advantage. The Pointers continued to build upon that lead until Nelson dished out six of the Pioneers eight points midway into the second quarter. With 4:28 left in the first half, both teams went cold until junior Alexis Strom hit a three with 0:46 on the clock and the teams went into the locker rooms with the Pointers holding a 35-25 edge.

Nelson continued her dynamic day, hitting another three-pointer to start the second half. UW-Stevens Point answered again, rebuilding its lead to 10 points every possession, but Nelson continued to chip away, scoring the Pioneers first seven points of the third quarter. With 1:38 left in the third period, junior Ashley Weir joined in on the action and her first shot from deep on the day narrowed the Pointers' lead 41-37. Three minutes into the fourth quarter, senior Brianna Prieve's three cut UW-Stevens Point's lead down to just four, 48-44, but a pair of clutch three-pointers from the Pointers pushed their lead back to three possessions.

The Pioneers won the battle at the glass pulling down 30 boards compared to the Pointers' 24. Senior Macey Banasik paced the Pioneers with seven rebounds.

In addition to 20 points, Nelson added five rebounds, a block, one steal and an assist. Senior Addison Baierl scored seven points and assisted on two baskets.

UW-Platteville finished shooting 40.8 percent (20-of-49) from the field, including 34.8 percent (8-23) from deep. The Pointers shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the floor, featuring 26.3 percent (5-of-19) from beyond the arc. The Pioneers were 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from the foul line while UW-Stevens Point made 12-of-18 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line.

The Pioneers will return to action and Bo Ryan Court on Wednesday, February 12 when they host UW-Eau Claire at 7 p.m. on Staff Appreciation Night.