PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Despite squandering an early 19-point lead, the UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team recovered to record a 71-62 win over UW-Platteville this evening.
Early in the game, the Blugolds went on a 21-5 scoring rampage over five minutes. Five three pointers from four different Blugolds powered Eau Claire to a 19-point lead midway through the game.
But the lead vanished just as quickly as it came, as the Pioneers halted the Blugold scoring for over six minutes and racked up 18 points. By halftime, the teams were tied up 34-34.
For the first portion of the second half, the teams flip-flopped the lead. But just like the opening of the game, Eau Claire recaptured control. Aided by eight points from Nicole Christianson (Sr.-Chetek, Wis.) in the final minutes, the Blugolds steadily built up a double digit lead. Eau Claire held on to take the game 71-62.
Christianson led the Blugold scoring effort, totaling 22 points on the night. Callie Halama (Sr.-Independence, Wis.) followed that up with an additional 19 points, including going a perfect 7-of-7 at the free throw line. Ellen Plendl (Sr.-Chippewa Falls, Wis./McDonell) recorded 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Overall, the Blugolds topped Platteville in many of the statistical categories. Eau Claire maintained a 46.9 shooting percentage (23-of-49) compared to the Pioneers' 31.8 percent (21-66). Eau Claire did struggle with turnovers, handing the ball over 13 times. Platteville earned 13 points off of Blugold turnovers.
The win jumps Eau Claire to a 6-2 record overall and maintains a perfect 2-0 in the WIAC. Platteville remains winless in conference play at 3-6, 0-2.
The Blugolds will return to Zorn Arena to host UW-Whitewater this Saturday. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
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