EAU CLAIRE - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team shot over 48 percent from the field in defeating Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponent UW-Platteville 62-54 here tonight at Zorn Arena.

The Blugolds went on an 8-0 run to go up 54-41 with 5:41 remaining. Eau Claire used a full court press during the run with Jessica Dickey (Sr.-White Bear Lake, MN/Cretin-Derham Hall) scoring six of the eight points.

The Pioneers countered with a 9-0 run of their own to close within four points with 2:39 left in regulation. The Blugolds wouldn't let Platteville any closer with Dickey scoring four of the last eight Blugolds points to seal the win.

Eau Claire kept Platteville in the game despite holding the Pioneers to only 37.5 percent shooting for the game. The Blugolds sent Platteville to the free throw line 19 times while Eau Claire only attempted seven free throws of their own.

The Blugolds controlled the game throughout with Platteville's only lead of the game coming at 5-4. Eau Claire pushed their lead to 10 late in the first half going on a 7-0 run to go up 27-17. Joanna Leafblad (Sr.-Eau Claire/Memorial) hit a three-pointer with two seconds left in the opening half to give the Blugolds a 32-21 lead going into half.

Michelle Burns (Fr.-Eau Claire/North) led the Blugolds with a game-high 17 points while Dickey added 14. Burns led Eau Claire with seven rebounds while Katie Murphy (Sr.-La Crosse/Aquinas) and Rachel Becker (Jr.-Gilmanton) each had six assists.

Eau Claire improves to 3-2 in the WIAC and 10-4 overall with the win. Platteville falls to 2-3 in conference and 9-4 overall.

The Blugolds will be in action next when they travel to Whitewater to play the Warhawks Wednesday. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Eau Claire-Platteville Box Score

- JL -