EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated the University of Minnesota Morris, 84-73, at the Sonnentag Event Center. The Blugolds capitalized on 28 turnovers by the Cougars, converting them into 31 points. The home team also outscored the visitors 40-24 in the paint, contributing to their victory.
The first quarter opened with the Cougars on the board with a 3-pointer just 20 seconds into the game. Despite an initial deficit, the Blugolds responded with a strong defensive effort, recording six steals in the quarter.
Kyla Overskei spearheaded the home team's comeback, contributing nine points, including a crucial 3-pointer at 5:07. The quarter concluded with
Delaney Nyenhuis securing a defensive rebound and scoring the final basket with just seven seconds left, giving the Blugolds a 22-20 lead over the Cougars at the end of the first quarter.
The Blugolds capitalized on turnovers to open the second quarter, with
Reanna Hutchinson making a steal and following up with a layup at 9:50, giving them an early lead.
Britta DeMar contributed significantly with a 3-pointer and a layup, extending their advantage to 34-25 by 6:54.
Emma Donovan's fast-break layup at 5:54 widened the gap further. Despite efforts from the Cougars, including a 3-pointer at 3:23, the Blugolds maintained control.
Macie Miller added back-to-back 3-pointers, and
Emily Vogel's jumper with 13 seconds left secured a 52-44 lead by the end of the quarter.
UW-Eau Claire maintained a competitive edge over the Cougars in the third quarter, starting with an early jumper by
Kyla Overskei just seconds in.
Olivia Witkowski added to the lead with a layup at 8:58, extending the home team's advantage to 56-44. Despite the Cougar's efforts, including a layup at 6:11, the Morris was unable to fully close the gap. With just 9 seconds remaining,
Delaney Nyenhuis secured the quarter's final points with a jumper in the paint, concluding the quarter with the Blugolds leading 65-59.
The Blugolds secured an 84-73 victory over the Cougars in the fourth quarter with a strong offensive performance.
Macie Miller opened the scoring with a 3-pointer at 9:57, assisted by
Delaney Nyenhuis, setting the tone for the home team.
Kyla Overskei contributed significantly with a jumper at 8:47, followed by another at 3:55, extending the lead.
Paige Keller's 3-pointer at 3:39 pushed the Blugolds ahead by 13 points, and Miller sealed the win with another three at 0:22, concluding a decisive quarter for the home team.
Overskei led the team with 20 points, converting 8 of 24 field goal attempts. Miller scored 18 points, successfully making all four of her 3-point attempts. Hutchinson contributed 10 points and recorded three steals while collecting seven rebounds. Nyenhuis secured 13 rebounds and added six steals to her performance.
UWEC holds a 6-1 overall record. The Cougars are currently 2-7 on the season.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will host Martin Luther College on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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