ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire edged the College of Saint Benedict, 61-60, in a tense matchup at Claire Lynch Hall that was decided in the final 11 seconds of the game. The Blugolds secured the win by converting 14 of 20 free throws and capitalizing on 23 points from turnovers. Despite trailing in the third quarter, they managed to pull ahead on a 3-pointer from
Reanna Hutchinson with 11.6 on the clock and a block on CSB's final shot by
Olivia Witkowski, earning their first road win of the season.
The visitors opened play by capitalizing on turnovers and strong defense, taking an early lead against Saint Benedict.
Delaney Nyenhuis initiated the scoring with a layup assisted by
Olivia Witkowski at 8:26.
Kyla Overskei added to the lead with a fast-break layup at 5:26, pushing the score to 6-2.
Macie Miller contributed with a three-pointer at 3:45, extending the visitors' advantage to 10-5.
Britta DeMar's layup at 1:16 and
Kailey Tulachka's jumper with 12 seconds remaining cemented a 17-10 lead for the Blugolds at the end of the first quarter.
UW-Eau Claire maintained a steady lead throughout the second quarter, thanks to strategic play in the paint and effective use of turnovers. Witkowski opened scoring with a layup at 9:10, extending their advantage.
Reanna Hutchinson contributed significantly with a layup followed by two successful free throws at 5:10, widening the gap to 23-15. Despite Saint Benedict's effort to close the lead with a late three-pointer and a layup, the Blugolds held on to finish the half ahead, 29-28.
The third quarter featured a tight battle between the two teams. The Bennies started the scoring with a layup at 9:10, giving them an early lead. The Blugolds responded with
Olivia Witkowski's layup at 8:41, briefly reclaiming the advantage. CSB regained their lead after a pair of three-pointers at 3:48 and 1:03. Despite a last-second three-pointer by
Britta DeMar with 2 seconds remaining, the Blugolds ended the third quarter trailing, 48-44.
The fourth quarter saw UWEC secure a narrow victory over Saint Benedict with key plays in the final moments.
Kyla Overskei contributed significantly, converting two free throws at 9:42 and later hitting a crucial three-pointer with 5:42 remaining to extend the lead to 55-52. Saint Benedict briefly regained the lead with free throws, but Hutchinson's three-pointer with 11 seconds left put the Blugolds back on top, 61-60. Saint BEnedict's last-second attempt to reclaim the lead was blocked by
Olivia Witkowski, sealing the win for UW-Eau Claire.
Kyla Overskei led the team with 20 points, connecting on 7 of 14 shots and adding two 3-pointers.
Britta DeMar contributed 11 points and recorded five steals, while also securing five rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis collected 11 rebounds and added seven points, complementing her efforts with three steals.
Olivia Witkowski finished with seven points and grabbed eight rebounds, adding one block to her performance.
The Blugolds stand at 2-1 overall in the current season. Saint Benedict also possesses a 2-1 overall record.
In their next game, UWEC will host St. Scholastica on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. The matchup will take place at The Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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