PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Trailing by two with eight seconds on the clock, senior Logan Pearson's fast break sent the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's basketball game to overtime where the Pioneers ultimately defeated North Central (IL) 76-69. The Pioneers improve to 3-1 on the season while handing the Cardinals (3-1) their first loss of the year. 

North Central led for all, but one minute in the first half and led by as much as 13 points with four minutes to go in the half. The Cardinals were 6-of-17 from beyond the arc and were able to put up 10 points off eight UW-Platteville turnovers in the half. 

Trailing by six at halftime, the Pioneers struggled to close in on the Cardinals' lead until a second chance layup by Pearson sparked a 14-0 run midway through the second half. Neither team led by more than two points for the final six minutes of regulation and with 0:08 on the clock, a driving layup by North Central's Drew Gaaston stopped the clock with the Cardinals holding a 60-58 lead. After a timeout, Pearson drove down court to tie the game and send it to overtime. 

Pearson hit a massive three point shot to set the tone in overtime, and the Pioneers broke away, making 9-of-10 free throws in overtime to reach their largest lead of the entire game as the final horn sounded. 

Hettinger had a career day, demolishing his previous career-high of 13 with 24 points off the bench, including 12 in the first half alone.   

Pearson had a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds, making all six shots from the free throw line. Pearson also finished with a game-high five assists. 

UW-Platteville shot 44.1 percent (26-of-59) from the floor and finished with a 42-6 advantage in points in the paint. From the foul line, the Pioneers finished at 73.1 percent (19-of-26). 

The Cardinals shot 34.9 percent (22-of-63) from the field and 26.5 percent (9-of-34) from three-point territory. North Central had four players in double digit points. 

The Pioneers will return to action and Bo Ryan Court on Tuesday, November 26 when they host Augustana College at 7 p.m. on Staff Appreciation Night. 

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.