WHITEWATER, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 70-50, at the Williams Center. The Blugolds were held to 28 points in the paint and committed 21 turnovers, while the Warhawks capitalized on their home court advantage, maintaining a lead throughout and dominating with 48 points in the paint.
The game began with the Warhawks scoring a layup early in the first quarter setting the tone for the home team. UW-Eau Claire's
Britta DeMar responded with a jumper to tie the game at 2-2 at 9:02. However, the Warhawks gained momentum, with four unanswered points, including two free throws at 6:40, to build a lead. The Blugolds struggled with turnovers, committing five in the quarter, while the Warhawks capitalized with points in the paint, ending the quarter with a 17-7 advantage. UWEC's
Reanna Hutchinson managed a fastbreak jumper at 1:30, but UWW closed the quarter with a layup, maintaining a 10-point lead.
The Blugolds narrowed the gap in the second quarter, outscoring the Warhawks 22-14.
Kyla Overskei sparked the scoring with a three-pointer at 8:57, contributing to her team's offensive momentum. The Blugolds' defensive efforts were highlighted by Hutchinson's early steal at 7:15, although a subsequent turnover prevented immediate capitalization. In the closing seconds,
Olivia Witkowski's two free throws at 0:07 brought the visitors within two points, but the Warhawk's layup at 0:27 helped the Warhawks maintain a slight lead, finishing the half ahead 31-29.
The Warhawks capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to extend their lead over UWEC in the third quarter. The home team found their spark with back-to-back layups in the paint, while adding to the score with a fast-break layup at 6:47. Despite Hutchinson's efforts, including two field goals, the Blugolds struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the quarter. UWW closed the quarter with a three-pointer leaving the Warhawks ahead 52-37 going into the final quarter.
The Warhawks secured a decisive victory over the Blugolds with an 18-13 advantage in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 70-50 win. The Warhawks jumped ahead early in the period with two free throws at 9:15, extending their lead to 54-37. The home team found their dominance in the paint, with a fastbreak layup at 8:34 pushing the score to 58-37. Despite a late surge from UW-Eau Claire's
Marin Wilson, who scored four points in the final minutes, the Warhawks maintained control, capped by a layup at 0:34 to seal the victory.
Hutchinson scored nine points and recorded three steals. Overskei added five points and matched Hutchinson with three steals.
Delaney Nyenhuis was perfect from the field, contributing eight points and collecting four rebounds. Witkowski also tallied eight points and provided two assists.
UW-Eau Claire has a record of 13-10 overall and 3-9 in WIAC play. UW-Whitewater stands at 18-5 overall with an 8-4 mark in WIAC competition.
In their next game, UW-Eau Claire will travel to face UW-Platteville on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The match-up will take place at 7 p.m. at Williams Fieldhouse in Platteville, Wisconsin.
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