INDIANOLA, Iowa — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated Simpson College, 87-75, at Cowles Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Blugolds secured the win by scoring 44 points in the paint and forcing 18 turnovers, converting those into 29 points. The Storm kept the game close with a strong performance at the free-throw line, hitting 17 of 26 attempts, but was unable to overcome the deficit.
The opening quarter began with the Blugolds taking an early lead, as
Delaney Nyenhuis scored a tip-in at 9:23, followed by a three-pointer from
Kyla Overskei at 9:12 to put them ahead 5-0.
Olivia Witkowski extended the lead to 7-0 with two free throws at 8:04. The Storm responded with a jumper at 7:50, reducing the deficit to 7-2. The teams traded points, and a layup from Simpson tied the score at 9-9 with 4:08 remaining. However,
Paige Keller's three-pointer at 0:59 gave the Blugolds a 16-13 advantage to close the quarter. Both teams recorded four steals, while UW-Eau Claire led in points from turnovers with 11.
The Blugolds held a narrow lead over the Storm in the second quarter, finishing 23-20 for the quarter. The Storm started the quarter with a pair of layups, including one a fast break.
Kyla Overskei responded for UW-Eau Claire with a three-pointer at 7:51, assisted by
Britta DeMar, to regain the lead.
Reanna Hutchinson and
Paige Keller contributed crucial points for the visitors, while the Storm kept the game close with a layup at 3:26.
Delaney Nyenhuis secured the final defensive rebound of the quarter as the clock expired, maintaining the Blugolds' six-point advantage at halftime.
UW-Eau Claire extended their lead with a strong third quarter, netting 27 points while holding the Storm to 19.
Olivia Witkowski sparked the scoring with a tip-in at 9:23, followed by a layup less than a minute later.
Delaney Nyenhuis contributed significantly with consistent scoring, including a layup at 5:58 that widened the gap to 53-38.
Kyla Overskei added a three-pointer at 3:26, and her layup at 1:05 pushed the visitors' lead to 66-50. Despite a late tip-in by the Storm with three seconds remaining, the Blugolds maintained control throughout the quarter, aided by their efficient shooting inside the paint.
UWEC maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, despite being outscored by the Storm, 21-23. Simpson began the quarter with a jumper at 9:42, reducing the deficit to 12 points. UWEC's
Kyla Overskei responded with a three-pointer at 8:13, extending their lead. Reanne Hutchinson contributed a key layup, followed by a jumper from Overskei, pushing their advantage further. Despite a late three-pointer from the Storm at 1:22, the Blugolds secured the victory.
Paige Keller scored 17 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded three steals.
Kyla Overskei led with 25 points, converting five of her 13 attempts from beyond the arc and grabbed six rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis posted her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also tallying four steals.
Britta DeMar contributed with five assists, facilitating the offense effectively.
The Blugolds stand at 4-1 overall on the season and the Storm now hold a 2-1 overall record.
In their next game, UW-Eau Claire will travel to face St. Norbert College on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. at Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center in De Pere, Wisconsin.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
