PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 78-55, at Williams Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. The Blugolds struggled offensively, shooting 35.1% from the field and converting just 2-of-15 from beyond the arc. Despite a strong effort in the paint with 26 points, UWEC was unable to overcome UW-Platteville's 36 points in the paint and 34 bench points. The Blugolds, however, managed to make 13 free throws, surpassing their season average of 11.25.
The first quarter between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville opened with a balanced exchange, ultimately seeing the home team take a narrow lead. The Pioneers scored the first basket with a layup at 9:23.
Olivia Witkowski responded for the Blugolds with a layup assisted by
Britta DeMar, tying the game at 4-4. Witkowski's performance was notable as she achieved a season-high total of 17 points and secured 6 total rebounds, surpassing her season average of 4.83. UW-Platteville pulled ahead with a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer 3:13, to extend their lead to 18-12.
Reanna Hutchinson's fast-break layup at 2:03 brought the Blugolds within two points, but UWP's layup at the buzzer secured a 24-20 lead for the Pioneers at the end of the quarter. Hutchinson also excelled with 17 total points, exceeding her season average of 12.04.
The Pioneers extended their lead over UWEC with a strong second quarter, outscoring the visitors 17-10. The home team jumped out with a few key plays, including a layup at 4:28 and consecutive free throws at 1:55 and 0:48. The Blugolds struggled with turnovers and fouls but managed to add points with
Reanna Hutchinson's jumper and
Kailey Tulachka's contributions in the paint. Despite a late effort from
Kyla Overskei, who sank two free throws with 28 seconds remaining, the Pioneers maintained a solid lead heading into halftime.
Platteville extended their lead significantly in the third quarter, outscoring UW-Eau Claire 19-8. Despite a layup from
Olivia Witkowski for the Blugolds at 7:50, the Pioneers maintained momentum, adding points to push the score to 51-34. A late jumper by the Pioneers at 0:49 further solidified the UWP's control, closing the quarter with a score of 60-38. During this period, the Blugolds recorded at least 7 offensive rebounds, marking the ninth consecutive game achieving this feat.
Reanna Hutchinson scored early in the fourth quarter for UWEC, contributing to a series of plays that saw the team make a brief run. The Pioneers responded with key layups, maintaining their lead. Hutchinson and
Delaney Nyenhuis each added two-point jumpers, but the Pioneers' consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer at 3:23, kept the gap wide. Despite efforts from the Blugolds, the Pioneers secured a 78-55 victory, with shots from the free-throw line in the final seconds. Hutchinson's performance was also highlighted by her 6 rebounds, exceeding her average of 3.17.
Reanna Hutchinson led the Blugolds with 17 points, making 7 of 16 field goal attempts, while also recording six rebounds and two steals.
Olivia Witkowski matched the scoring with 17 points, converting 6 of 9 from the field, including a 3-pointer, and adding six rebounds.
Delaney Nyenhuis contributed defensively with two blocks and scored six points on 3 of 6 shooting.
Kyla Overskei also impacted defensively, posting two blocks and securing three rebounds.
The Blugolds have a record of 13-11 overall and 3-10 in WIAC play. The Pioneers hold an 18-6 overall record and are 8-5 in WIAC competition.
In their next game, UW-Eau Claire will host UW-La Crosse on Saturday, Feb. 21 and celebrate Senior Night. The matchup is set to tip off at 5 p.m. at The Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
