MARSHALL, Texas — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire upset 20th ranked East Texas Baptist University, 75-69, with a decisive fourth-quarter surge to begin the ETBU Holiday Tournament. The Blugolds capitalized on turnovers, scoring 27 points off ETBU's 18 giveaways. The game, marked by four ties and 12 lead changes, saw the Blugolds pull ahead with a 26-point final quarter, overcoming a third-quarter deficit.
The opening quarter saw UW-Eau Claire take an early lead with
Reanna Hutchinson's three-pointer at 9:11. The Tigers quickly responded with consecutive jumpers, bringing the score to 4-3 in favor of the home team. UWEC regained control briefly, extending their lead to 9-4 following two successful free throws by
Delaney Nyenhuis at 6:04. As the quarter progressed, ETBU rallied, hitting four free throws and a layup in the final seconds giving them a narrow 15-14 lead.
In the second quarter, the Blugolds' defensive efforts and effective scoring led to a 16-8 advantage over East Texas Baptist.
Delaney Nyenhuis and
Reanna Hutchinson contributed key points, with Hutchinson hitting a three-pointer at 7:35 to tie the game at 19-19.
Britta DeMar added two free throws at 7:01, giving UWEC their first lead of the quarter. Despite turnovers, the Blugolds maintained control, aided by
Emma Donovan's fast-break layup at 2:23, expanding their lead.
Macie Miller closed the quarter with two successful free throws, concluding the period with a 30-23 lead for UW-Eau Claire.
Hutchinson led a scoring surge for the Blugolds in the third quarter with two crucial three-pointers, contributing to a 19-point quarter. East Texas Baptist responded with consistent scoring, including fast-break points and free throws that kept the game close. With 1:31 remaining,
Kyla Overskei sank a decisive three-pointer, assisted by
Kailey Tulachka, pushing the Blugolds ahead. UWEC maintained their lead, despite a late three-pointer from ETBU, finishing the quarter with a narrow 49-47 advantage.
In a tightly contested fourth quarter, UW-Eau Claire secured a 75-69 victory over the Tigers. Kylas Overskei's free throws at 9:48 gave the Blugolds an early lead.
Delaney Nyenhuis played a crucial role, scoring consecutive jumpers, the latter at 3:06, to extend the lead.
Reanna Hutchinson's three-pointer at 2:24 widened the margin to eight points. Despite a late three-pointer by East Texas Baptist, UWEC maintained control, closing out the game with
Britta DeMar's free throws in the final minute.
Reanna Hutchinson scored 21 points, including five 3-pointers, while also recording four rebounds and two assists.
Kyla Overskei added 17 points and seven rebounds, converting all four of her free-throw attempts.
Delaney Nyenhuis contributed with 12 points and six rebounds, and she tallied three steals.
Kailey Tulachka made an impact with two steals and five rebounds, assisting twice.
The Blugolds improved to 9-1 overall following their victory. East Texas Baptist is now 11-3 for the season.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on day two of the ETBU Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at ETBU's Ornelas Gymnasium in Marshall, Texas.
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