MANKATO, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team played Minnesota State-Mankato close in the first half but the Mavericks made 74.1% of their shots in the second half as they went on to defeat the Blugolds 86-47 here tonight at the Taylor Center.
In the first half the Blugolds outrebounded the Mavericks 16-14 and attempted more free throws as Eau Claire trailed 37-28 at the half. Forward Courtney Lewis (Sr.-Prairie du Chien, WI) led all scorers with 11 first half points making four-of-eight field goals including one-of-two from the three-point line. Center Rachel Egdorf (Sr.-Michicot, WI) led all players with eight rebounds including seven defensive rebounds.
Minnesota State came out on fire in the second half converting 74.1% of its field goal attempts (20-of-27) including six-of-eight three-point field goals. Eau Claire cooled off from the field shooting 30.8% from the floor compared to 41.7% in the first half. The Maverick pressure forced the Blugolds into 27 turnovers on the evening, 15 coming in the second half.
Lewis led the Blugolds with 14 points making five-of-11 field goal attempts followed by guard Teenie Lichtfuss (Jr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes) with eight points and a team-best three assists. Egdorf led all players with 11 rebounds.
The Blugolds will officially open the 2014-15 next weekend when they host Coe College of Iowa in the first round of the UW-Eau Claire Tip-Off Classic. The game is set for Saturday, November 15 starting at 8:00 p.m.
-KCM-
