PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team fell 72-61 Saturday on Bo Ryan Court to UW-River Falls. While the Pioneers (8-8, 2-3 WIAC) shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 36.4 percent from beyond the arc, the Falcons' (10-6, 2-3) 26-5 advantage on free-throws was too much to overcome for the Pioneers.

The day started with an efficient and high-scoring performance on the court as both teams shot over 56 percent and scored 21 points apiece. Senior Macey Banasik dished out a pair of threes in the first quarter, while senior Brynlee Nelson went 3-of-4 from the floor, including another Pioneers three. 

The Pioneers held a one-possession lead for nearly all of the second quarter until a Falcons three-pointer in the last minute gave UW-River Falls a 32-31 lead at halftime. 

The teams kept it a tight game through the first quarter, but as the second half progressed and the fouls and free-throws added up, the Falcons pushed their lead to double-digits with 0:48 remaining in the game. In the second half alone, the Falcons were 24-of-25 from the free-throw line compared to the Pioneers who were 3-of-4.  

Nelson led the Pioneers with 19 points while senior Addison Baierl had a team-high nine rebounds. 

UW-Platteville finished 24-of-56 from the field, including 8-of-22 from behind the arc. UW-River Falls finished shooting 41.2 percent (21-of-51) from the floor and 30.8 percent (4-of-13) from deep.

The Pioneers will return to action on Wednesday, January 22 at 7 p.m. when they travel to UW-Whitewater.