Pioneers vs. Titans
February 8, 2005
UW-Platteville played coyote to UW-Oshkosh's roadrunner Tuesday, coming ever-so-close to catching but never fully grabbing that elusive prize.
The 26th-ranked Titans turned back every Pioneer rally for a 71-66 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory.
UW-Oshkosh improved to 19-4 and clinched a first-round home playoff game with a 10-4 conference mark. The Titans also gave Coach Pam Ruder her 200th win. In her ninth season, Ruder is 200-44.
The Pioneers were within six points for the majority of the second half, including trailing by just 45-43 with 10:27 to play. UWP was still within three points at 50-47 when the Titans made a crucial run. Brittany Herrick made two free throws, and then in the game's most pivotal play, Holly Kaiser's layup was waived off by the official, who called Lisa Wubben for charging while making the pass at the six-minute mark. The Titans' Kelly O'Keef hit a three-point basket 15 seconds later for a 55-47 Titan lead, and UWP never regained its momentum.
O'Keef led Oshkosh with 18 points, making 4-5 three-point shots. Herrick added 16 points, and Michelle Rosicky scored 13.
The freshman Wubben led the Pioneers (12-10, 5-8 WIAC) with a career-best 21 points, hitting 5-7 three-point attempts. Shannon Boatman had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Holly Kaiser scored 11. Abby Lalko, in her first career start in place of injured Michelle Hardyman, recorded nine points and seven assists. She hit a long three-point shot at the buzzer to account for the final five-point margin.
The Pioneers forced 22 Titan turnovers, but UWO made 57 percent of its shots, including 8-11 from beyond the three-point line. The Pioneers nailed 10 three-point baskets in 21 attempts.
UW-Platteville plays at UW-River Falls Saturday at 3 p.m.
Related Links