The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers’ women’s basketball team couldn’t keep their momentum rolling into the second half and fell 66-75 against a consistently strong three-point attack from the Eagles. 

The Pioneers came into the game at 6th place overall in the WIAC women’s basketball standings with a 9-10 record, and the Eagles came in at 2nd in the standings with a 17-3 record. The last time these teams had met this season was in La Crosse on Jan. 5, where the Eagles won 57-52.

From the beginning of the first quarter, the Eagles made it clear what their game plan was: Shoot three-pointers whenever they’re open. Out of their first eight shots made, seven were three-pointers, many of which were made by the Eagles’ Dani Craig. The Pioneers earned most of their first quarter points in the paint, making good passes and getting penetration in the post. The Eagles kept even in the first with their solid shooting, but they let the Pioneers keep pace with them with some sloppy passing. With about 30 seconds left in the quarter and down by two, the Pioneers’ Morgan Horstman got a block on defense, caught the rebound and took the ball across the court, making a contested layup to end the first quarter with a score of 22-22. 

The second quarter was highlighted by solid passing for the Pioneers. There was also a strong showing from Pioneers’ Kassie Hansen on both sides of the ball. Hansen scored the Pioneers’ first seven points of the period as well as making some key rebounds. However, the Eagles’ offensive attack started looking smoother, and they started to get points in the post. Horstman capped off the period with two FGs and a three-pointer to keep up with the Eagles. The lead switched back and forth for the rest of the period to end the first half with the Eagles holding a slim 42-41 lead.

After halftime, the Pioneers struggled with offense, failing to score in the first three minutes of the period. The Pioneers’ offensive woes continued through the rest of the game. The Eagles also slowed, but they continued making the most of their opportunities to shoot when open, which paid off as they ended the third quarter with a comfortable 59-49 lead.

During the final period, the Pioneers fought to make a comeback but failed to capitalize on their opportunities as the Eagles’ passing became a bit sloppy. However, with a tired team, the Pioneers had to switch from a man defense to a zone defense, which didn’t work well to combat the Eagles’ three-point attack. The Eagles managed to keep their lead, answering with a three whenever the Pioneers threatened to close the gap. In the end, the Pioneers fell to the Eagles 66-75.

As of this game, the Pioneers are 9-11 for the season and only have five games remaining this season. The UW-Platteville women’s basketball team’s next two games are a home outing against University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Feb. 4, an away game on Feb. 6 against University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and another home game against University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Feb. 9.