EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds defeated the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils, 77-60, at the Sonnentag Event Center. The Blugolds secured the win with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Blue Devils 26-12, and maintained control with a 47-33 rebounding advantage.
Kyla Overskei put together a memorable performance as she became the 21st player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
The game began with the Blugolds and Blue Devils exchanging leads in a closely contested first quarter.
Kyla Overskei put UWEC on the board with a three-pointer at 7:31, assisted by
Reanna Hutchinson. This was part of a standout performance where Overskei not only scored 20 points, surpassing her season average of 15.89, but also achieved a season-high total of 15 rebounds. Stout responded with a three-pointer for the Blue Devils at 5:55, briefly giving them the lead.
Emily Vogel's tip-in with 48 seconds remaining capped off UWEC's scoring, securing a 13-9 advantage at the end of the quarter.
UW-Eau Claire edged the Blue Devils in the second quarter, scoring 17 points to Stout's 16, maintaining a narrow lead.
Karsyn Bauman's layup with 3:23 remaining contributed to the Blugolds' advantage, while
Reanna Hutchinson added a crucial three-pointer at the 1:39 mark, stretching the lead to 28-20. Hutchinson's performance continued her streak of scoring 18 or more total points in consecutive games. Stout responded with a three-point shot with 22 seconds left, cutting the deficit to five points. Despite Stout's efforts, UWEC's balanced scoring and defensive rebounds preserved their lead heading into the next quarter.
The Blugolds took control in the third quarter, extending their lead over the Blue Devils with a strong offensive and defensive performance.
Reanna Hutchinson was pivotal, contributing with both scoring and defensive stops, including a fast-break layup at 5:08 to push the lead to double digits.
Macie Miller added a three-pointer at 6:31 and a layup with a subsequent free throw at 1:00 to help solidify the lead. UWEC's defense forced multiple turnovers, resulting in 7 steals, while holding UW-Stout to just 4 field goals in the quarter. The period concluded with a score of 56-37 in favor of the home team.
The Blugolds maintained a solid lead in the fourth quarter, despite the Blue Devils' efforts to close the gap.
Reanna Hutchinson assisted
Olivia Witkowski's layup at 9:23, setting the tone for the quarter.
Kyla Overskei's three-pointer at 5:51 extended the home team's advantage. The Blue Devils tried to close the gap with a fast-break layup at 7:00 and a three-pointer at 6:26, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Blugolds secured the win with consistent free-throw shooting in the final minute, finishing the quarter with a 77-60 victory.
Kyla Overskei led the team with 20 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the field, and collected 15 rebounds.
Reanna Hutchinson contributed 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and added two assists.
Emily Vogel recorded four steals and added eight points, converting all four of her free throws.
Delaney Nyenhuis provided a strong presence with five assists and secured seven rebounds.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 12-7 overall record and 2-6 mark in WIAC competition. UW-Stout is currently 10-9 overall with a 1-7 record in WIAC play.
Looking ahead, UWEC will travel to face UW-River Falls on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. at Don Page Arena in River Falls, Wisconsin.
