RALEIGH, NC – After playing their first eight games of the season on the road, the William Peace men's basketball team finally returned to the Hermann Athletic Center Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, their homecoming was spoiled by University of Wisconsin-Platteville who trumped the Pacers, 89-64.
WPU (4-5) trailed, 14-10, following a Shawn Shaffer layup with 12:43 in the first half, but the Pioneers went on a 15-0 run that spanned nearly five minutes to take a commanding, 19 point lead.
The Pacers showed signs of life trimming the deficit to 13, but Platteville (9-3) got hot from beyond the arc and took a 50-23 lead into the locker room. The Pioneers closed the half out on a 16-2 run, as Trey Sigel hit from long range three times and scored 11 of his 14 first half points during the stretch.
"We didn't execute the right way at the right times, and the effort wasn't there on the defensive end in the first half, especially in the post," said head coach Claude Shields. "We played harder in the second, but first game after the break…we weren't ready. We just did not defend the way we wanted to"
WPU did look better in the second half and actually outscored Platteville, 41-39. The four-time Division III National Champs, formerly coached by the University of Wisconsin's Bo Ryan, had already put it in cruise control though for the easy win.
In addition to allowing Platteville to shoot 55% (34-62) from the field and 43% (9-21) from the bonusphere, WPU had one of their worst shooting performances of the season. The Pacers shot 36.4% (24-66) from the field and 27% (7-26) from deep posting season lows for makes and attempts. They also show a season low 60% (9-15) from the free-throw line.
Shaffer led the way for WPU scoring a game high 17 points, shooting 50% (8-16) from the field. Former walk-on Ryan Emfinger made a strong impression today, as he drained three from beyond the arc and scored 13 points on 5-10 (50%) shooting. Both Shaffer and Emfinger also brought down a team high six rebounds.
For the Pioneers, Jake Manning also scored a game high 17 points to go along with seven rebounds. Cory Vaassen also had an impressive outing, as he registered a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebound. Vaassen also dished out six assists and turned it over only once.
The WPU men's basketball team will have a short turn around as they take the court again Thursday, New Year's day. The Pacers host Connecticut College at 1:00 p.m.
Patrick Johnson will be on the call for the Pacers Basketball Network with coverage starting at 12:45 p.m. CLICK HERE to tune in.
Stay up to date with William Peace Athletics via social media: Like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.