Pioneers Strong Start Not Enough Against No. 24 Warhawks

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – After jumping out to a six-point lead midway through the first quarter, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team fell 68-52 to No. 24 nationally ranked UW-Whitewater, Wednesday night on Bo Ryan Court.

Following a close first half where the Pioneers shot an outstanding 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the floor in the first quarter, the Warhawks (18-6, 8-5 WIAC) pulled away behind some sharp shooting in the second 20 minutes of action, including a perfect 9-of-9 from the field in the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter. UW-Whitewater's Kacie Carollo accounted for 26 of UW-Whitewater's 68 points.

Addison Baierl put the Pioneers on the board first, and another layup by the senior gave UW-Platteville (8-16, 2-11 WIAC) a 9-3 lead midway through the first quarter. The Warhawks cut the lead to one possession twice before the quarter break, but layups by senior Makayla Mau and junior Alexis Strom pushed the Pioneers lead back to two possessions prior to UW-Whitewater scoring the final six points of the period.

UW-Whitewater continued their run into the second quarter, and held a 26-19 lead with 4:23 remaining in the second half, but senior Macey Banasik knocked down a three with 2:11 to cut the lead to four.

The Pioneers trailed 30-23 at the intermission and the Warhawks pushed that lead to double figures eight minutes into the second half, just before they went on their near perfect shooting during the final 10 minutes of the game.

Banasik led the Pioneers once again with 11 points including 3-of-4 shooting from the perimeter, while junior Ella Mackiewicz was right behind with nine points. Baierl paced the Pioneers with six rebounds and added seven points.

UW-Platteville shot 44.2 percent (19-of-43) from the field which was a team-high since early December, including 40 percent (6-of-15) from deep. UW-Whitewater finished shooting 48.1 percent (25-of-52), featuring 41.2 percent (7-of-17) from behind the arc. At the line, the Pioneers were 66.7 percent (8-of-12) and the Warhawks finished 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the foul line.

The Pioneers will hit the road for UW-River Falls on Saturday for their final game of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.