SAINT PETER, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated Gustavus Adolphus College, 61-46, at Gus Young Court, leading from the second quarter onward. The Blugolds capitalized on 23 Gusties turnovers to score 16 points and maintained a 22-14 advantage in paint points.
UW-Eau Claire started the first quarter on the road against Gustavus Adolphus, quickly showcasing their scoring capabilities. The home team opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 8:09, but UW-Eau Claire responded with a strong performance from beyond the arc, including a three-pointer by
Britta DeMar at 6:35.
Reanna Hutchinson added to the visitor's lead with a jumper at 3:41, extending their advantage to 16-5. Despite a late surge from the Gusties, capped by a three-pointer with three seconds remaining, the Blugolds held a narrow 18-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.
UWEC edged Gustavus Adolphus 15-13 in the second quarter, highlighted by a series of quick plays.
Reanna Hutchinson opened with a three-pointer at 9:45, assisted by
Paige Keller, to extend the visitor's early lead.
Delaney Nyenhuis was instrumental defensively, contributing multiple steals that kept GAC under pressure. The Gusties responded with a three-pointer at 8:35, narrowing their deficit. Despite a late rally by Gustavus, including free throws, Hutchinson's free throw with six seconds remaining secured a 33-29 halftime edge for UWEC.
The Blugolds maintained their lead over GAC in the third quarter, outscoring them 14-7.
Olivia Witkowski opened the quarter with a layup at 9:55, assisted by
Britta DeMar. Despite GAC's immediate response with a layup, UW-Eau Claire continued to widen the gap, with
Kyla Overskei sinking two free throws at 7:33 to push the score to 39-31. At 1:15,
Reanna Hutchinson converted a jumper and added a free throw, extending the lead to 44-34.
Paige Keller capped the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:33, assisted by
Britta DeMar, securing a comfortable 47-36 advantage going into the final quarter.
UWEC secured a decisive fourth-quarter performance to defeat Gustavus Adolphus.
Kyla Overskei made significant contributions, scoring a layup at 8:33 and following it with another at 7:26, helping the Blugolds to build a substantial lead. Overskei also sunk a three-pointer at 5:52, extending their advantage to 54-38. Despite GAC's efforts, including a layup at 6:00 and a three-pointer at 3:38, the home team couldn't close the gap. UW-Eau Claire maintained control with a final layup by
Olivia Witkowski at 0:29, sealing the game with a 61-46 victory.
Reanna Hutchinson led the team with 16 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field, and collected seven rebounds.
Kyla Overskei contributed 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis posted six steals and added four points with three assists.
Kailey Tulachka recorded two steals and added two points.
UW-Eau Claire holds a record of 8-1 overall. The Gusties stand at 4-4 overall and 1-2 in MIAC competition.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will take time away for finals week and the holidays. The team will travel to Marshall, Texas for the ETBU Holiday Tournament on December 29-30.
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