Pioneers topple Clarke, 89-65

UW-Platteville concluded 2008 with an 89-65 win over host Clarke New Year's Eve and also concluded one of the most difficult schedules in school history.

Lisa Grantman recorded her sixth career double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Pioneers to the Clarke Holiday Tournament consolation game victory, the Pioneers' 10th road game in 11 outings.

The Pioneers have bussed to St. Louis, Texas, western Iowa, Superior, Eau Claire and River Falls while compiling a 4-7 mark. (The Dec. 2 schedule game in Manitowoc against Silver Lake was canceled.)

After all that travel, the 22-mile trip to Clarke made the Pioneers feel almost at home. They exploded to a 21-6 lead and eventually stretched the margin to 18 at 35-17. The Crusaders battled back within 37-30, but Ashley Wolf made a jumper to stop the 13-2 run. The Pioneers led 40-33 at the half.

Charity Stotmeister made a pair of baskets, and Brianna Klaas one to open the second half, giving the Pioneers a 46-33 lead. The Crusaders never came closer than 12 the rest of the way, and the Pioneers held at least a 20-point lead for the final 6:36.

Grantman's double-double gives her at least one in each of her four years at UWP. Stotmeister added 12 points and six rebounds, while freshman Melanie Walker reached double figures for the first time in her young career with 11 points.

Laura Gaylord led five Clarke (1-12) players in double figures with 15 points. Tara Ahlf added 14 for Clarke, who was held to 35 percent from the floor.

The Pioneers play eight of their next 13 at home, starting Saturday vs. UW-Stout at 3 p.m. or 30 minutes after the men's 1 p.m. matchup with the Blue Devils.

When We Were Young Productions will tape both Saturday games for broadcast on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin.

Related Links

Boxscore