PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Nov. 22, 2005) -- UW-Platteville, ranked No. 20 in NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com, defeated Edgewood College 74-49 in a battle of defending conference champions Tuesday in Williams Fieldhouse.

After the Eagles made their first three shots for an 8-2 lead two minutes into the contest, the Pioneers limited them to on two field goals over the next 12 minutes. The Pioneers erased that early deficit with a 16-2 run, taking a 20-10 lead.

UW-Platteville extended the margin to 39-20 by the half and led by as many as 35 in the second half. UWP shot 57.4 percent for the game, including 63 percent over the final period. The Pioneers limited the Eagles to 30.6 from the field and out-rebounded them 37-22.

Both defending conference champions are now 2-1 on the year. The Pioneers, the reigning Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions, were led by freshman Bo Richter's 15 points off the bench. Junior Mike Jamerson added 14 points and three steals, and sophomore center Jeff Skemp had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Edgewood, the defending Lake Michigan Conference champion and preseason favorite to recapture the crown, was led by Seth Cooper* (Madison, Wis.) with 11 points and Charlie Averkamp (New Berlin, Wis.) with 10.

The Eagles' next contest will be their home opener this Saturday, Nov. 26, when Edgewood College plays host to LMC rival Marian College. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. at the Todd Wehr Edgedome.