PLATTEVILLE - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team built a 28-13 lead and held off UW-Platteville in the second half, earning a 59-52 victory over the Pioneers here today at Williams Fieldhouse.

The Blugolds improve to 11-7 on the season and 4-5 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference while the Pioneers fall to 10-7 overall and 3-6 in WIAC action.

Eau Claire started the game on a 28-13 lead that lasted for most of the first half. The Blugold defense held the Pioneers to just four field goals in the first 18 minutes, paving the way for the strong first half. Eau Claire headed into the break with a 32-19 halftime advantage.

Platteville was held to just 18 total shots in the first half, connecting on seven of them for 38.9 percent. The Blugolds were 14-of-32 in the half for 43.8 percent.

The second half was played back-and-forth as the Pioneers continued to mount small comebacks before the Blugolds re-extended the lead. Platteville cut the lead to six points three times late in the game but each time Eau Claire was able to respond. The big blow came from Becca Carstensen (Sr.-Eau Claire/Memorial), who nailed a three-point shot with 1:27 left in the game after the Pioneers had pulled to within 54-48. Carstensen hit one-of-two free throws with 16 seconds left to finish the scoring at 59-52.

The Pioneers actually shot slightly better on the day, but were held to just 41 shots while the Blugolds attempted 61 shots. Platteville finished shooting 41.5 percent while Eau Claire was an even 41 percent.

Emilee Planert (Sr.-Eau Claire/North) led the Blugolds with 13 points while Michelle Burns (Fr.-Eau Claire/North) added 10 points and six rebounds. Carstensen and Jessica Dickey (Sr.-White Bear Lake, MN/Cretin-Derham Hall) tied for the team lead with seven rebounds apiece.

Shannon Boatman led the Pioneers, tallying 14 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double.

The Blugolds will be back in action this Tuesday when they host UW-Superior at Zorn Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

Eau Claire-Platteville Box Score

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