The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball team scored the last seven points of the first half and outscored host UW-La Crosse by a 41-24 margin in the final 20 minutes en route to a 70-63 win on Saturday at Mitchell Gym.

The Pioneers (13-11, 7-8 WIAC) were led by the double-double performances by freshman Jake Manning and junior Rob Stallion. Manning had 21 points and 12 rebounds to pace UW-Platteville and Stallion had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The duo was joined in double figures by senior Brett Stangel, who added 14 points.

The Eagles (14-9, 6-8 WIAC) were led by the 17-point effort from Jack Taylor and he was joined in double figures by Al Chery, who added 13.

The momentum of the game went back and forth for most of the contest. The Pioneers built an early 10-9 lead before the home team came back with an 11-0 spurt. Despite the spurt, UW-Platteville cut the deficit to five, 20-15, only to see the Eagles go on a 10-1 run.

UW-La Crosse built a lead as much as 19 in the opening 20 minutes before the Pioneers closed out the first half with the last seven points of the half. The momentum carried over into the second half as UW-Platteville started the final 20 minutes on a 22-9 run.

Again, the Eagles managed to regain the lead at 55-54 when Taylor hit a 3-pointer at the 4:49 mark but the lead stayed with the home team for just a brief moment. After grabbing an offensive rebound, Manning converted on a 3-point play to put the Pioneers up 57-55 with 4:16 to go and for the rest of the contest.

The Pioneers will next close out the rest of the regular season on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. for Senior Day at Bo Ryan Court when they take on UW-Eau Claire. Prior to the game, seniors Brett Stangel, Matt Weik, Alex Bondar and B.J. Litz will be recognized.