EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 65-48, at the Sonnentag Event Center. Despite leading by two points after the first quarter, the Blugolds were unable to maintain momentum as UW-Whitewater surged ahead with a dominant 23-point second quarter. UWEC managed 22 points in the paint and recorded 6 blocks, but 25 turnovers proved costly against UW-Whitewater's 10 steals and 25 points off turnovers.
The first quarter commenced with
Reanna Hutchinson of UW-Eau Claire connecting on a three-pointer, assisted by
Delaney Nyenhuis, to give the home team an early advantage. UW-Whitewater responded with a three-pointer, leveling the score at 3-3. As the quarter unfolded, both teams experienced turnovers, with the Blugolds' defense securing several key steals.
Britta DeMar scored a pivotal layup at 1:49 remaining to push UWEC ahead. Nyenhuis added two free throws with 27 seconds left, securing a 10-8 lead for the Blugolds at the end of the first quarter.
The Warhawks hit a three-pointer at 8:48, giving the team an early lead in the second quarter. UW-Eau Claire responded with
Sophie Hafeman scoring five consecutive points, including a three-pointer at 6:17, to maintain a slim advantage. However, UW-Whitewater surged ahead with a series of fast-break layups, including one at 5:34, to take control. UWW capped off the quarter with a tip-in at 0:15, extending their lead to 31-24 at the half.
In the third quarter, UW-Whitewater edged UW-Eau Claire with a 19-16 scoring advantage.
Reanna Hutchinson spearheaded UWEC's efforts, contributing key points with a layup and a three-pointer at 8:09, narrowing the gap to 32-31.
Kyla Overskei added a three-pointer at 5:51, keeping the home team within striking distance. However, the Warhawks responded with crucial three-pointers at 2:03 and 1:42, pushing their lead to 50-39 by the end of the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, UWW widened their lead over the Blugolds with a strong performance at the free-throw line, converting 11-of-16 attempts. UWW opened the scoring with two free throws and a jump shot early in the quarter, contributing to a 10-point advantage. UW-Eau Claire's
Reanna Hutchinson managed to score two late layups, but the home team struggled with turnovers, committing six in the quarter. Despite a defensive effort that included four blocks, UWEC could not close the gap, and UW-Whitewater secured a 65-48 victory.
Reanna Hutchinson scored 18 points, making 8 of 15 field goals, and contributed with three rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis posted a double-double with 10 rebounds, exceeding her season average of 9.06, and added four assists, while also recording two steals and two blocks.
Emily Vogel tallied seven points, with a strong shooting performance, converting 3 of 5 field goal attempts and adding a block.
Kailey Tulachka contributed defensively with four rebounds and two blocks.
UW-Eau Claire holds an 11-7 overall record and is 1-6 in WIAC play. UW-Whitewater stands at 15-3 overall with a 5-2 record in conference competition.
In their next game, the Blugolds will host UW-Stout on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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