In tale-of-two-halves style that has haunted the Blugolds at times this season, UW-Eau Claire was equal parts capable and frustrating.
Though they would ultimately prevail 59-36, the showing was far from pretty.
Poor shooting dictated the first half, as series of alternating misses were punctuated only by the occasional exchange of baskets.
The Blugolds could not make a basket until junior Madison Johnson (Osceola, Wis.) found the bottom of the net on a three-pointer five minutes into the game, sparking a 9-0 Eau Claire run.
While the Blugolds' struggles were substantial, River Falls' were crippling, as they shot 20 percent from the field in the first half as Eau Claire claimed a 16-point lead at halftime.
Then came the second half.
The shooting woes disappeared as the Blugolds hit on each of their first five shots of the half. They collected seven offensive rebounds in the half, and pushed their lead to nearly 30 points, essentially clinching the game half way through the second half.
Johnson led all scorers with 13 points, while senior Courtney Lewis (Prairie du Chien, Wis.) provided her typical all around game, contributed eight points, two rebounds and three assists.
Perhaps the largest surprise of the night was sophomore Ellen Blacklock (Winona, Minn.), who made her first start of the season.
Blacklock provided crucial minutes and solid play after foul trouble forced her into Wednesday night's loss to Stevens Point.
Senior Rachel Egdorf (Michicot, Wis.) played a key role, leading the Blugolds' bench with 11 points as they outscored River Falls' bench 31-8.
Freshmen Jenni LaCroix (Verona, Wis.) and Kayla Hanley (Chippewa Falls Wis.) scored seven points each serving as key reserves.
The Blugolds (4-4, 1-1 WIAC) will continue their road trip on Wednesday against University of Wisconsin-Superior. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
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