SUPERIOR, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team suffered a tough loss today against conference opponent UW-Superior, 73-65.  The loss was the second straight for the Blugolds. 

Part of the reason for the Blugold loss was the strong performance of UW-Superior's starting line-up. Superior's starting five combined to score 66 points, outscoring the Blugolds entire team.  Superior was led by a big night from Sally Linzmeier, who scored 24 points and recorded six rebounds and six steals.

The Blugolds were led in scoring by forward Sarah Bingea (Sr.- Delano, Minn.), who recorded 14 points off of a perfect 8-8 free throw shooting.  Madison Johnson (Fr.-Osceola, Wis.) also had an efficient night off of the Blugolds bench, scoring 13 points in just 26 minutes of play.

Eau Claire's bench added a combined 32 points for the Blugolds.  The strong bench play helped keep the Blugolds in contention throughout the game. 

Collectively, the Blugolds struggled shooting in the game.  The team shot only 37.7 percent from the field, and 31.6 percent from beyond the three-point line. 

With tonight's loss, the Blugolds fall below the .500 mark on the season, with a 4-5 record.  They are 2-2 in conference play. The loss also ended a 50-game winning streak against the Yellowjackets. Prior to tonight, the last time Superior won was Dec. 15, 1987, a 60-58 victory. The Yellowjackets are now 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC.

The Blugolds will look to end their losing streak when they face Luther College (Iowa) on Saturday.  The game will tip off at 2 p.m. at Regents Center, Luther's home court.

-BP-