STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 69-55, in a conference matchup at Berg Gym on Saturday. The Blugolds struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 1 of 12 three-point attempts, while scoring 38 points in the paint. UW-Stevens Point capitalized on free throws, converting 18 of 22 attempts, to secure the win.
UW-Stevens Point opened the first quarter with a three-pointer at the 8:02 mark, setting an early tone.
Delaney Nyenhuis responded with a layup for the Blugolds, keeping the score close at 3-2. After a series of turnovers and scoring exchanges, UWSP found a fast-break layup and two free throws to jump ahead to a 9-4 lead with 5:24 remaining.
Olivia Witkowski's layup at 2:57 put UWEC briefly ahead at 10-9. However, UW-Stevens Point closed the quarter with a three-pointer at the buzzer, giving the home team a 16-12 lead.
UW-Eau Claire outscored Stevens Point 15-14 in the second quarter, narrowing the deficit to three points at halftime.
Kailey Tulachka sparked UWEC with a steal and subsequent assist to Nyenhuis for an early layup at 9:38.
Reanna Hutchinson's layup at 6:48, followed by a free throw, brought the visitors within three points. The Pointers responded with a three-pointer at 4:56, extending their lead, but
Sophie Hafeman's layup at the 9-second mark closed the quarter at 30-27.
The Pointers edged ahead in the third quarter, starting with a layup at 9:16. UWSP's back-to-back three-pointers increased the home team's lead to 39-33 by the 6:47 mark. Despite a strong effort by the Blugolds, including a pair of baskets from
Delaney Nyenhuis and a fast-break layup by Hutchinson to tie the game momentarily at 33, the Pointers maintained control. Key free throws in the final minute secured a 47-39 lead at the end of the quarter for Stevens Point.
UW-Stevens Point secured a 69-55 victory over the Blugolds in the final quarter, capitalizing on a balanced offensive effort. Early free throws allowed them to increase the home team's lead, along with a layup, ending with a total of 11 points in the quarter. UWSP added consecutive three-pointers, boosting the home team's scoring momentum. Despite the Blugolds'
Britta DeMar scoring multiple baskets, including a three-pointer at 4:54, the visitors couldn't close the gap.
Delaney Nyenhuis's late jumper brought the visitors closer, but a layup in the final moments sealed the win for UW-Stevens Point.
Delaney Nyenhuis led all players with 18 points, hitting 8 of 11 shots from the field and pulling down eight rebounds.
Reanna Hutchinson contributed nine points and added three assists, while
Kailey Tulachka recorded six points and collected seven rebounds.
Karsyn Bauman chipped in with two points and two steals, showcasing her defensive impact.
UWEC has a record of 12-9 overall and 2-8 in WIAC play. The Pointers stand at 14-7 overall and 3-7 in WIAC competition.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will host UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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