OSHKOSH - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team missed its first eight shots from the field on its way to losing 61-45 today to conference opponent UW-Oshkosh at the Kolf Sports Center.

The loss drops the Blugolds to 11-12 overall and 6-8 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) action. The win propels the Titans to 16-7 overall and 10-4 in the WIAC.

As the Blugolds were missing their first eight shots, the Titans were building an early lead. The Titans scored the first 15 points of the game before the Blugolds would make their first field goal. A Brittanni Hakanson (Fr.-Wheeler, WI/Boyceville) layup with 12:14 to go in the half finally put the Blugolds on the board.

The Blugolds would only get as close as nine in the half at the 9:35 mark. With the score 30-17 with 4:43 to play in the first half, the Titans would go on a 7-0 to build their biggest lead of the game so far of 20. The Titans would go into the half up 38-21.

The Titans shot 55% in the half, while the Blugolds shot just 29%. The Titans also out-rebounded the Blugolds 18-13.

The Blugolds would outscore the Titans in the second half however it wouldn't be by enough. The Titans built their lead to 26 with 13:09 to play. With the Titans still up by 26 with 5:11 to go, the Blugolds would end the game outscoring the Titans 14-4. The Titans would still cruise to victory 61-45.

The Titans finished shooting 47% for the game, while the Blugolds finished at 25%. The Titans ended up out-rebounding the Blugolds 40-34 in the game.

Rachel Becker (Sr.-Gilmanton, WI) led the Blugolds in scoring with 13 points. Brittanni Hakanson also had a nice game as she led the team in rebounds with seven, to go along with nine points. Brittany Herrick led all scorers with 14 for the Titans.

Next, the Blugolds will host UW-Superior on Wednesday night in Zorn Arena. The action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Eau Claire-Oshkosh Box Score

- JR -