RIVER FALLS, Wis. — On Wednesday, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 68-61, at Don Page Arena. The Blugolds led by two points after the first quarter but were outscored by seven in the second half. They notched 32 points in the paint and achieved a season-high with seven blocks. UW-River Falls capitalized on 23 free throws to secure the victory.
The first quarter commenced with
Kyla Overskei draining a 3-pointer for the Blugolds, assisted by
Olivia Witkowski, to establish an early lead. UW-River Falls responded with a layup at 9:06, reducing the gap to 3-2.
Reanna Hutchinson led the Blugolds' offensive efforts with two baskets, contributing to the team's 13-11 advantage by the end of the quarter. The Falcon's free throws at 1:06 brought UW-River Falls within two points, but they were unable to overtake the visitors before the quarter concluded.
The second quarter saw both teams score 16 points, maintaining a tight contest.
Kailey Tulachka contributed early with a layup at 9:08, recording a season-high total of 10 points during the game.
Reanna Hutchinson added momentum with a 3-pointer at 8:42, followed by a fast-break layup moments later. UW-River Falls responded with consistent free throw shooting, particularly from Emily Anderson, who made four crucial free throws in the quarter. The scoring remained balanced throughout, concluding with a pair of free throws by UW-River Falls, bringing the score to 29-27 at the half.
In the third quarter, UW-River Falls opened with a 3-pointer, putting the home team briefly ahead.
Kyla Overskei of UWEC responded with a layup, keeping the score tight at 31-30. The period featured back-and-forth scoring, including a 3-pointer by Leopold, which extended UW-River Falls' lead to 38-33 at 4:54. Overskei's 3-pointer with 48 seconds left brought the Blugolds within two, but a last-minute 3-pointer sealed the quarter for UW-River Falls, who outscored the Blugolds 22-15 in the quarter, ending with a 49-44 lead. Overskei's total points in the game exceeded her season average of 16.11.
In a closely contested final quarter, UW-River Falls secured a 68-61 victory over the Blugolds. The home team excelled at the free-throw line, contributing significantly to their 19-point quarter, while the Blugolds managed 17 points.
Reanna Hutchinson started the fourth with a jumper, narrowing the gap to 49-46.
Kyla Overskei and
Kailey Tulachka combined for several key baskets, helping the visiting team stay competitive. However, UW-River Falls capitalized on critical turnovers and free-throw opportunities, contributing multiple points from the line to maintain their lead.
Kyla Overskei led the Blugolds with 22 points, converting 7 of 12 shots and 3 of 7 from long range, while adding eight rebounds.
Reanna Hutchinson contributed 13 points, hitting 6 of 15 shots and adding a 3-pointer, alongside one steal and one block. Hutchinson's performance marked the third consecutive game where she recorded 13 or more points.
Kailey Tulachka scored 10 points, making 4 of 7 shots and collecting four rebounds.
Britta DeMar posted five points, including two baskets, and recorded one block.
UWEC stands at 12-8 overall and 2-7 in WIAC competition. UW-River Falls holds a 12-8 overall record and 5-4 in WIAC play.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will face UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, Feb. 7. The game will tip off at 3 p.m. at Quandt Fieldhouse in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
