Shane Manor (Altoona, WI, UW-Superior) continued to make his case for being an All-American in leading the Falcons to a 61-53 victory over Platteville at the Karges Center.

Manor led all players 18 points on 8-12 shooting from the field. He has now had 12 points or more in all 20 of the Falcons' games and is averaging just over 18 points a game.

It was a game that featured tense moments and large leads for the Falcons.  An Aaron Anderson (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater HS) layup put the Falcons up by 11 just 13 seconds into the second half.  However, the Pointers would slowly creep back into the game.  With 14:11 remaining, the Falcons were up 53-31.  But an 8-0 Pioneer run cut the lead to three. 

After that, both teams went back-and-forth, with neither team able to take control.  But with 7:55 left to play, Manor connected on a layup to put UWRF up by two, a lead the Falcons would never relinquish.  Platteville would come back within two, but never take the lead away from the ferocious Falcons who kept their perfect record at Karges alive.  The Falcons are 6-0 on their home court.

The Falcons made the most of their home court advantage, outperforming the Pioneers on both ends of the court.  The Falcons shot 45.1 percent from the field, connecting on 23 of 51.  Platteville meanwhile, was 24-54 for 44.4 percent.  The Falcons also limited their own turnovers with a mere seven, whereas Platteville committed 13.  The Falcons were better able to utilize the turnovers as they scored 12 points from Pioneer miscues, while holding Platteville to only four.

Platteville did edge the Falcons in rebounds, 35-27 and in three-point shooting.  Platteville was 5-14 for 35.7 percent.  The Falcons were only able to connect for 2 three-pointers in 15 attempts for a dreadful 13.3 percent.

The Falcons used a well-balanced approach to down the Pioneers.  Wade Guerin (Bloomington, MN, St. Croix Lutheran HS) added 13 points on sharp shooting.  He was 4-5 from the field and 4-6 from the charity stripe.  The Falcons took full advantage of their free chances, converting 13-17 for 76.5 percent.  The Falcons were so strong on defense that they held Platteville to an amazing four attempts from the line throughout the entire game. Platteville was unable to make any of them, leaving them 0-4 from the line.

Ollie White (Minnetrista, MN, Mound-Westonka HS) would lead the Falcons with six rebounds.  He also added nine points. Anderson also had nine for the Falcons who are on a two-game winning streak.

With the victory, the Falcons have swept Platteville in the season series.  UWRF's other victory against Platteville came on Dec. 3 in a 68-57 victory for the Falcons. 

The Falcons improve to 15-5 overall and 9-2 in WIAC play.  The Pioneers meanwhile, fall to 11-9 and 5-6 in the WIAC.

Up next for the Falcons is a WIAC matchup against UW-Eau Claire.  On Jan. 14, the Falcons defeated the Blugolds 88-76 at the Karges Center.

The Falcons will look to bring out the broomsticks again as they take on the Blugolds at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 in Eau Claire. 

The Falcons are 82-105 in the all time series.

Box Score