The Pioneers made just five field goals (5-19) in the first half and fell behind 28-16. UWP eventually trailed 41-26 before starting its rally.
LeVon Crawford cut the lead to 50-47 with 1:56 to go with an inside move. After the Blugolds' Matt Riley made two free throws, Mike Jamerson scored on a layup with 28 seconds remaining, making the count 52-49. B.J. Vetterkind answered with two made free throws for a five-point margin one second later. Crawford hit an inside shot with five seconds remaining, but the Blugolds threw a long pass to Vetterkind who laid the ball in for the final 56-51 score.
The Pioneers are now 9-9 overall and 4-6 in the WIAC, while the Blugolds improved to 10-9, 3-8.
Crawford, on 7-11 shooting, led UW-Platteville with 17 points, while Jeff Skemp added 10. The Pioneers shot 52 percent in the second half, but missed all eight of their three-point attempts on the night.
Zach Ryan led the Blugolds with 11 points, while Dan Ottney added 10.
UWP plays at UW-Whitewater Wednesday, then returns to Williams Fieldhouse Saturday to face UW-River Falls at 7 p.m. on Alumni Night.