PLATTEVILLE, Wis. - The UW-Platteville men's basketball team defeated the UW-Whitewater in the WIAC Championship quarterfinals by a score of 77-60. With the win the Pioneers improve to 16-10 and advance to the WIAC Semifinals to play against UW-La Crosse Thursday night. 

The name of the game was defense and that really showed in the first half for the Pioneers. The Pioneers held the Warhawks to 14.3% shooting from the field and only 3 total makes. For the game the Warhawks shot 33.9% from the field which is down from their normal shooting percentage of 47.0%. The defense of the Pioneers made the Warhawks work hard for each shot which forced them to take tough contested shots. The Warhawks only had 3 assists to their 11 turnovers. The Pioneers outrebounded the Warhawks 37-25.  

The Pioneers offense was clicking throughout the game but especially in the second half where the Pioneers shot 51.9% from the field and 42.9% from the three-point line. For the game the Pioneers shot 46.4% overall. The Pioneers also made extra passes for great shots as they finished the game with 17 assists to only 9 turnovers. Sophomore Quentin Shields had 18 points on 5-11 shooting and chipped in 6 rebounds and 4 assists with only 1 turnover. Senior Robert Duax also put in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Senior Clay Gerds scored 14 points on 5-9 shooting.  

With the win the Pioneers will play Thursday Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the WIAC Semifinals against the #2 seeded UW-La Crosse Eagles.