LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to UW-La Crosse, 77-55, at Mitchell Hall on Saturday. UW-Eau Claire held a 34-32 edge in paint points but was outscored in every quarter, unable to overcome the opposition's strong defensive performance that included six blocks.
The first quarter opened with La Crosse capitalizing on turnovers, as a steal and subsequent offensive plays set the tone. UWEC responded with
Reanna Hutchinson's three-pointer, briefly taking the lead at 3-2. However, the hosts pulled ahead with consistent scoring, including a three-pointer at 5:19, pushing their lead to 9-7. A 9-0 scoring run by the Eagles, capped by two free throws at 1:47, extended their advantage. By the end of the quarter, UWL held a commanding 20-9 lead, leveraging a 5-of-6 shooting run and eight rebounds against the Blugolds' nine turnovers.
In the second quarter, both teams matched each other point for point, concluding with a 21-21 tie for the period. La Crosse started with a layup at 9:18, contributing to an early lead. UW-Eau Claire responded with
Reanna Hutchinson and
Olivia Witkowski each scoring key layups, narrowing the gap. Witkowski's performance was notable as she scored 12 points in the game, exceeding her season average of 8.73. The Eagles added multiple baskets, including a fast-break layup at 1:49. With seconds remaining, UWL secured the final points of the quarter, closing the half at 41-30 in favor of the home team.
La Crosse maintained their momentum in the third quarter, expanding their lead with a series of plays. A 3-pointer at 8:31 and a jumper shortly after contributed to UWL's offensive push. The Blugolds'
Delaney Nyenhuis found success in the paint with a layup at the 9:00 mark, but their efforts were subdued by turnovers and missed opportunities from the line. La Crosse capped the quarter with a jumper at 2:11, and sealed it with a 3-pointer with just four seconds left, ending the quarter with a 61-45 advantage for the home team.
The Eagles maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, securing a win against UW-Eau Claire. UWL added two free throws early on, extending the home team's advantage to 63-45 at the 8:47 mark. Despite efforts from the Blugolds, including a layup by
Britta DeMar assisted by
Emma Donovan, La Crosse continued to dominate in the paint and their defensive efforts, including three blocks, limited UW-Eau Claire's scoring opportunities, concluding the game with a 77-55 victory after a late jumper.
Olivia Witkowski led the team with 12 points, converting 5 of 7 field goals and adding a blocked shot.
Karsyn Bauman contributed 8 points and collected five rebounds, including two offensive boards.
Kyla Overskei added 9 points, hitting 3 of 10 shots, with one successful 3-pointer.
Delaney Nyenhuis scored 6 points and matched Bauman with five rebounds, distributing one assist as well.
The Blugolds hold an 11-5 overall record and are 1-4 in WIAC competition. Wis.-La Crosse stands at 10-6 overall and 3-2 in WIAC play.
Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will face UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The matchup will take place at 7 p.m. at Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with the Blugolds competing as the visiting team.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
