ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team (7-1) held off Augustana (Ill.) (3-3) in the final quarter to win 56-49 on Saturday afternoon inside the Carver PE Center in Rock Island, Illinois.

The Pioneers defensive effort played a big role in securing the win, as they held the Vikings to just 28.3 percent shooting (17-of-60) across the contest. UW-Platteville forced 17 turnovers and came away with nine steals, including three from senior Ella Mackiewicz.

Senior Madalyn Reichmann paced the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while Mackiewicz added 14 points on 5-of-9 from the floor. For the game, the Pioneers shot 41.7 percent (20-of-48) from the field and 61.9 percent (13-of-21) from the free throw line.

Augustana held a five-point advantage at 16-11 following the first frame. The lead grew to seven early in the second until back-to-back threes by Mackiewicz and Reichmann cut the deficit to 20-19. Mackiewicz put UW-Platteville in front with a driving score and senior Alexis Strom made it 24-20 with a make from the line. The Pioneers entered halftime up five, as Reichmann converted a driving layup as time ran out to make it 34-29.

UW-Platteville scored the first six points of the third quarter to run the lead up to 11 at 40-29. The Vikings got back within six, but a jumper by Reichmann and a tip-in score by junior Tatum Weir pushed the lead back up to 10 heading into the fourth.

A seven-point Augustana run cut the lead down to 47-44 with six minutes left in the final frame. A layup with 4:18 left made it a two-point game until a free throw by senior Ashley Weir and a layup by Reichmann increased the Pioneers lead back to five. UW-Platteville secured the game at the free throw line, as sophomore Ava Hanson, graduate student Barb Kling, and Reichmann all made free throws in the final minute to earn the seven-point win.

Mackiewicz and Weir shared the team lead in rebounds with nine apiece. Reichmann finished with a team-high two assists.

The Pioneers will travel to face Wisconsin Lutheran next Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a free ice cream cone (with purchase) the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering a free churro (with purchase) the day after each Pioneer win.