EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 59-55, in a closely contested Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup at the Sonnentag Event Center on Wednesday. Despite the Blugolds' strong defensive effort, generating 11 steals and scoring 28 points in the paint, they could not overcome an 18-point first-quarter deficit. UW-Platteville's nine 3-pointers proved crucial, maintaining their advantage throughout the game.
The game opened with UW-Platteville hitting a 3-pointer at 9:32, setting the tone for the quarter. UW-Eau Claire's
Reanna Hutchinson responded with a layup at 9:12, but the visitors maintained their lead with efficient shooting. The Pioneers scoring a layup at 6:07, followed by a 3-pointer at 5:26, propelling UW-Platteville to a 12-2 advantage. The Blugolds managed to close the gap slightly with
Emma Donovan's layup at 1:39, assisted by
Sophie Hafeman, and two free throws at 0:38. However, UW-Platteville ended the quarter leading 18-6, with a final jumper at 0:16.
Reanna Hutchinson was a key contributor for UWEC in the second quarter, scoring on a pair of free throws at 8:23 and converting a layup at 7:40.
Olivia Witkowski and
Delaney Nyenhuis each added points in the paint for the home team, with Witkowski scoring on a tip-in at the 6:00 mark. Despite UW-Platteville hitting two 3-pointers, the home team managed to narrow the gap slightly.
Macie Miller's 3-pointer at 2:21 further bolstered the Blugolds' effort, though they trailed 33-23 at the end of the second quarter.
UW-Eau Claire surged in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to a single point after trailing by eight.
Britta DeMar initiated the comeback with an early layup at 9:31, and
Kyla Overskei tied the game at 41 with a 3-pointer at 1:55. Despite a defensive struggle, UW-Platteville managed key 3-pointers to maintain their lead. UWP secured the quarter's end with a 3-pointer at the seven-second mark, giving UW-Platteville a 47-43 advantage heading into the final quarter.
UW-Platteville maintained their lead in the final quarter to secure a 59-55 victory over the Blugolds.
Olivia Witkowski contributed early for UWEC with a free throw and a layup, narrowing the gap to 46-44. The Pioneer lead was extended with a 3-pointer at 8:11, followed by a layup, pushing the score to 52-46. Despite a late effort by
Britta DeMar and
Reanna Hutchinson, who brought UWEC within one point, UWP sealed the win for UW-Platteville with clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Kyla Overskei led the team with 13 points, converting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and adding three steals.
Reanna Hutchinson contributed 10 points, complemented by two steals and two assists.
Delaney Nyenhuis posted a double-double with 14 rebounds, two blocks, and three steals.
Olivia Witkowski recorded 10 rebounds and added nine points to the team's efforts.
The Blugolds hold an 11-2 overall record and are 1-1 in WIAC play. UW-Platteville is 12-1 this season and 2-0 in the WIAC.
In their next game, UW-Eau Claire will travel to face UW-Stout on Saturday, Jan. 10. The teams are set to compete at 4 p.m. at Johnson Fieldhouse in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
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