The fifth-ranked Pioneers men’s basketball team lost 78-75 to UW-Whitewater in the annual Guarding Against Cancer Game. The game included eight ties, nine lead changes and over $3300 raised for cancer awareness on Feb. 9.

The Pioneers knew they would face the Warhawks’ best effort in their only battle with Whitewater this year. “It’s a rivalry game. Throw the records out,” Pioneers’ Head Coach Jeff Gard said before tip-off. This game would certainly live up to the hype.

Both teams shot above 40% from the floor in the first half. The Pioneers, however, were unable to get to the free-throw line in the first 20 minutes. A game that featured nine double-digit scorers from the two teams combined was never more than seven points apart. The Pioneers led 41-35 at the half.

The Warhawks found their stride offensively in the second half, shooting 62.5%. UW-Whitewater also made 16-17 free-throw attempts in the second half, missing only one in the entire game. The three-point line also hurt the Pioneers. The Warhawks shot 9-17 from long range.

Despite facing such a strong offensive attack from Whitewater, Platteville kept dominating inside, outscoring the Warhawks 42-24 in the paint as both teams traded leads.

As the game remained close in the final minutes, UW-Whitewater hit their free-throws when they were needed most, holding off the Pioneers. Platteville shot 50%, making 32-64 field goals in the loss.

Quentin Shields scored 19 points, reaching fourth place on the Pioneers’ all-time scoring list with 1,589 points. Brady Olson also set a career-high with 11 points scored.

The Pioneers are now 19-3 overall and 8-3 in the WIAC. UW-Whitewater improves to 13-9 overall and 6-5 WIAC.