MARSHALL, Texas — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 53-41, at Ornelas Gymnasium on Tuesday during the final day of the ETBU Holiday Tournament. The Blugolds secured the win with an ironclad defensive performance, forcing 22 turnovers and swiping 11 steals. Capitalizing on these opportunities, they scored 26 paint points. The Crusaders' eight 3-pointers couldn't close the gap as they were ultimately outpaced in the second half.
The first quarter opened with UW-Eau Claire's
Reanna Hutchinson slicing through the lane for a quick basket on a fast break to put the home team on the board. Hutchinson, who has recorded at least 10 total points in 3 consecutive games, showcased her consistency early on.
Kyla Overskei extended the lead with a 3-pointer at the 7:28 mark, bringing the score to 5-0. This performance was part of Overskei's impressive streak of recording at least 10 total points in 11 consecutive games. The Crusaders responded with a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to 5-3. UMHB drained back-to-back 3-pointers, but UWEC maintained their advantage with contributions from
Macie Miller and
Britta DeMar. The quarter concluded with the Blugolds leading 15-10, as
Emma Donovan secured a defensive rebound to hold the margin.
The Blugolds started the second quarter with
Olivia Witkowski's jumper in the paint at 9:34, extending their lead. Witkowski, who achieved 8 total rebounds in the game, significantly exceeded her season average of 4.4 rebounds, contributing greatly to the Blugolds' defensive efforts. The Crusaders responded with a 3-pointer at 9:11, bringing the score to 17-13.
Emma Donovan added to the Blugolds' tally with a jumper at 8:05, but UMHB closed the quarter's scoring with a 3-pointer and a subsequent free throw after being fouled at the buzzer, cutting UW-Eau Claire's lead to two points. The quarter concluded with the Blugolds holding a narrow 26-24 lead.
Olivia Witkowski opened the third quarter with a jumper in the paint, maintaining the momentum for UWEC. Shortly after, Mary Hardin-Baylor converted two free throws to bring the score to 28-26.
Sophie Hafeman's layup with 4:49 on the clock extended the home team's lead, assisted by
Kyla Overskei. In the final moments, Overskei sank a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining, securing a 40-33 lead for the Blugolds at the end of the quarter.
In the final quarter, a UMHB 3-pointer at 9:33 gave the Crusaders an early boost, but UWEC responded with a jumper from
Emma Donovan, maintaining pressure. A series of turnovers and defensive rebounds characterized the middle of the period, with
Kyla Overskei's free throw and
Olivia Witkowski's jumper at 2:07 extending the Blugolds' lead.
Reanna Hutchinson's 3-pointer at 1:01 and subsequent free throws iced the game at the line, leading to a 53-41 victory for UW-Eau Claire. The home team capitalized on Crusader fouls, converting crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Olivia Witkowski led the Blugolds with 11 points and collected eight rebounds.
Reanna Hutchinson scored 10 points, converting 2 of 5 from long range.
Kyla Overskei matched Hutchinson with 10 points and added six rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis recorded four steals and contributed eight rebounds in the contest.
UWEC holds a 10-1 overall record. Mary Hardin-Baylor stands at 4-11 on the season.
In their next matchup, the Blugolds will begin Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play when they host UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. CT.
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